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For all the bird lovers, the definitive collection of hummingbird illustrations by 19th-century naturalist painter John Gould, the "British Audubon".
The sublime collection of 418 superbly detailed paintings of hummingbirds by the great artist John Gould, the 19th-century naturalist painter often referred to as the "British Audubon", represents all the known species on the planet at the time and is the most complete ever produced. Like Audubon, Gould depicted the birds as they are in life, in their native habitats, which was still a revolutionary approach at the time. Yet Unlike Audubon, Gould traveled widely across the globe and the exquisite hummingbirds he painted so beautifully represent all the known species at the time and haled from the most remote and exotic ecosystems on the planet.
In their essay for The Family of Hummingbirds, co-writers Joel and Laura Oppenheimer tell the story of Gould's colorful life and place his work in the context of the times, when exploration of science and the world's natural wonders was at an all-time high. The Family of Hummingbirds will delight birdwatching hobbyists, fans of naturalist historical prints, and especially lovers of the avian Tinker Bell.
Joel and Laura Oppenheimer are the owners of this eponymous firm that serves as both a gallery and an art restoration workshop, with one location in Chicago's famed Wrigley building and another in Charleston on historic King Street. Founded in 1969, Oppenheimer Gallery specializes in natural history art. Oppenheimer Gallery is one of the preeminent dealers of Audubon watercolours and facsimile prints and works in partnerships with museums across the country including the New-York Historical Society.
Robert Peck, curator of art and artifacts and senior fellow of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, Philadelphia, is a writer, naturalist, and historian who has traveled extensively in North and South America, Africa, Asia, and Europe. Peck is the author of many books including Land of the Eagle: A Natural History of North America (1990); Headhunters and Hummingbirds: An Expedition into Ecuador (1987); and A Celebration of Birds: The Life and Art of Louis Agassiz Fuertes (1982).
