Phlogoenas cruenta [Luzon Bleeding-heart Dove]

Description

original hand-colour lithograph. EXTREMELY RARE.

This stunning finely hand-coloured lithograph originates from John Gould’s celebrated “Birds of Asia”, published in London between 1850 and 1883. The present example is from the same group of “pattern plates” retained and later acquired by Henry Sotheran & Co. following Gould’s death. This plate was specifically used as the original reference for Gould’s colorist to produce the rest of the work. It is a unique opportunity to own an important part of the production process of Gould’s works.

Produced with contributions from artists including Elizabeth Gould, Edward Lear, Joseph Wolf, William Hart, and H. C. Richter. including Elizabeth Gould, Edward Lear, Joseph Wolf, William Hart, and H. C. Richter.

The Luzon Bleeding-heart Dove (Phlogoenas cruenta) is one of the Philippines’ most celebrated endemic birds, restricted to Luzon and nearby islands. Named for the vivid crimson patch on its breast, which resembles a drop of blood, this elusive ground-dwelling dove inhabits dense tropical forests and is regarded as a symbol of the unique and highly threatened wildlife of the Philippine archipelago.