Hydrochelidon leucopareia. Whiskered Tern. (1862-1873)

Dated 1862-1873, "Hydrochelidon leucopareia. Whiskered Tern." is an artwork by John Gould. Context for 1862-1873: The later nineteenth century is the era of Impressionism, whose first group exhibition was held in Paris in 1874, followed by Post-Impressionism, Symbolism, and the Arts and Crafts movement. In the 1890s, colour lithography and Art Nouveau made the illustrated poster a celebrated art form. The catalogue places it in Plants & Animals. The format is landscape. Plants & Animals, a short history: Images of plants and animals run from medieval herbals and bestiaries to the scientific illustration of the seventeenth to nineteenth centuries. Images of plants and animals are valued both for the care of their observation and for their decorative appeal.

"Hydrochelidon leucopareia. Whiskered Tern." is shown in the onlly.art catalogue for reference and browsing. A landscape format suits wide, low wall spaces such as the stretch above a bed, mantel, or sideboard. Flora and fauna subjects make an interior feel softer and more alive, adding a natural rhythm that works well in both traditional and contemporary spaces. Browsing works by the same artist, or from the same period, is a good way to compare styles before choosing what suits your space.

English, 1804–1881

If you like the visual language of John Gould, explore more works by the same artist in our collection.