Early 20th Century Ornithological Print - Magpie After Gould & Richter - 19" x 15"

A 1900s hand-colored engraving of a magpie, this refined print is after the celebrated ornithological studies of John Gould (1804–1881) and his principal illustrator Henry Constantine Richter (1821–1902), whose collaborations set a benchmark for lifelike bird portraiture in the Victorian era. The magpie is shown poised on a branch, its long tapering tail and crisp plumage rendered in cool greens, inky blacks, and clean whites against a softly aged cream ground. The fine ruled border and mellow giltwood frame lend the piece a scholarly calm, while the Latin caption along the lower margin underscores its natural history origins.

Gould’s plates, meticulously drawn by Richter, blended scientific exactitude with artistic grace Their prints remain among the most admired examples of natural history art from the Victorian era. This magpie engraving styles beautifully in a variety of settings: hang it in a study or library where its scholarly tone complements dark woods and collected objects, or place it in a hallway or above a console to introduce a touch of natural history without overwhelming the space. Its quiet palette and vertical format make it easy to pair with botanical prints, insect studies, or contemporary abstract works for a layered gallery wall. Build a beautiful gallery wall with more related artworks available here.