the collector's folio

John Gould Most Popular Paintings

The 25 artworks by John Gould our visitors ask for most, ranked by popularity and presented one by one, with the specification and the price of each hand-painted reproduction.

Edition 2026 · 25 artworks Each artwork painted to order
Linen canvas · Certificate of authenticity · Delivered worldwide John Gould · 1804 – 1881

Pteroglossus Torquatus, from A Monograph of Ramphastidae or Family of Toucans

Huntington Museum of Art, Huntington

Delve into the legacy of John Gould, celebrated as 'The Father of Bird Study,' with this stunning depiction of a toucan. Explore his meticulous artistry and groundbreaking scientific contributions to ornithology during Victorian Britain. John Gould John Gould: Pteroglossus Torquatus - The Father of Bird Study Admire John Gould's masterpiece, 'Pteroglossus Torquatus,' from A Monograph of Ramphas

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 1 of 86 artworks by John Gould
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18126 × 39 cm Commission this artwork

lophophore resplendissant

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 2 of 86 artworks by John Gould
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18127 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

banded hare - wallaby

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 3 of 86 artworks by John Gould
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18138 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

couroucou resplendissant

Admire 'Couroucou Resplendissant' by John Gould, a stunning ornithological painting of vibrant birds in their natural habitat. Hand-painted reproductions available.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 4 of 86 artworks by John Gould
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18127 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Trogon _Queue Blanche

Discover 'Trogon _Queue Blanche' by John Gould – a stunning 19th-century ornithological illustration of vibrant Trogons. Detailed watercolor & ink art, showcasing nature’s beauty.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 5 of 86 artworks by John Gould
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20628 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

rufous hare - wallaby

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 6 of 86 artworks by John Gould
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18138 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

pic sultan

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 7 of 86 artworks by John Gould
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18128 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Martin P_cheur _Dos Blanc

John Gould’s ‘Martin P_cheur _Dos Blanc’ showcases stunning Halcyon Leucopygia birds in a detailed, realistic watercolor illustration. A naturalist's delight! #birdart #johnGould #ornithology

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 8 of 86 artworks by John Gould
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18128 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Aigle de Blyth

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 9 of 86 artworks by John Gould
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18127 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

western quoll

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 10 of 86 artworks by John Gould
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18138 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Erismature _Barbillon

Admire John Gould’s detailed watercolor of a Scoter duck! This realistic wildlife illustration showcases meticulous detail & tranquil beauty. Explore nature through this captivating piece.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 11 of 86 artworks by John Gould
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18138 × 26 cm Commission this artwork

Platycercus Pennantii

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 12 of 86 artworks by John Gould
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18127 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

numbat

Discover John Gould’s exquisite watercolor illustration of numbat bandicoots! A detailed 19th-century naturalist study showcasing vibrant colors & meticulous detail. Explore this unique artwork.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 13 of 86 artworks by John Gould
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18138 × 26 cm Commission this artwork

eastern hare - wallaby

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 14 of 86 artworks by John Gould
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18138 × 26 cm Commission this artwork

desert rat - kangaroo

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 15 of 86 artworks by John Gould
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18138 × 26 cm Commission this artwork

Burrowing bettong

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 16 of 86 artworks by John Gould
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18139 × 25 cm Commission this artwork

Faisan de Lady Amherst

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 17 of 86 artworks by John Gould
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18128 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

pig - footed bandicoot

Discover 'Pig-Footed Bandicoot' by John Gould – a stunning 19th-century ornithological masterpiece! Explore intricate details & vibrant colors of this iconic Australian bird painting.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 18 of 86 artworks by John Gould
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18138 × 26 cm Commission this artwork

Paradisier de Victoria

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 19 of 86 artworks by John Gould
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18127 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

paradisier sifilet

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 20 of 86 artworks by John Gould
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18127 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Paradisier de d'Albertis

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 21 of 86 artworks by John Gould
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18131 × 33 cm Commission this artwork

thylacine

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 22 of 86 artworks by John Gould
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18138 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

toolache wallaby

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 23 of 86 artworks by John Gould
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18138 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Toucan de Beauharnais

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 24 of 86 artworks by John Gould
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18128 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

crescent nail - tail wallaby

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 25 of 86 artworks by John Gould
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18138 × 26 cm Commission this artwork

The artist

John Gould

1804 – 1881

Quick facts

Color intensitybalanced
Born1804, Lyme Regis, United Kingdom
Works on APS86
Died1881
Also known asJohn Thomas Gould, John Gould (of Seaborough)
Creative periodsmature period
NationalityUnited Kingdom
Art period19th Century

Biography

John Gould: A Life Dedicated to Ornithology

Born: Lyme Regis, United Kingdom (1804)
Died: 1881

John Gould FR.S. (1804-1881) stands as a monumental figure in the history of ornithology and bird art. His prolific output, characterized by meticulously detailed illustrations and groundbreaking scientific observations, significantly advanced our understanding of avian life, particularly within Australia. He is often hailed as the "father of bird study" in Australia, an honor reflected in the naming of the Gould League after him.

Early Life and Career

Humble Beginnings: Born in Lyme Regis, Gould's early life was marked by modest circumstances. His father was a gardener, and young John received limited formal education.
Apprenticeship & Taxidermy: He served as a gardener under his father at Windsor Castle from 1818 to 1824, gaining valuable experience in horticulture. This period also fostered his burgeoning interest in natural history. Gould developed exceptional skills in taxidermy, which would become instrumental in his later career.
Zoological Society of London: In 1827, Gould secured a pivotal role as the first curator and preserver at the museum of the Zoological Society of London. This position provided him with unparalleled access to new bird specimens from around the world, fueling his passion for ornithological research.

Major Works and Scientific Contributions

Early Publications: Gould's career took off with publications like A Century of Birds from the Himalaya Mountains (1830-1832), illustrated by his wife, Elizabeth Gould, and other artists. These works established his reputation for detailed observation and artistic representation.
Collaboration with Artists: He frequently collaborated with talented artists such as Edward Lear, Henry Constantine Richter, Joseph Wolf, and William Matthew Hart to produce the stunning lithographic plates that accompanied his monographs.
Birds of Australia: His most significant achievement was The Birds of Australia (1840-1848), a monumental seven-volume work documenting the diverse avian fauna of the continent. This project, undertaken with his wife and collector John Gilbert, revolutionized ornithological knowledge of Australia.
Darwin's Finches: Gould’s crucial identification of what became known as "Darwin's finches" during the examination of specimens collected by Charles Darwin on the HMS Beagle played a pivotal role in the development of Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection. He recognized these birds as a unique group, demonstrating their adaptation to different ecological niches on the Galapagos Islands.

Influence and Legacy

Impact on Evolutionary Theory: Gould’s work provided critical evidence supporting Darwin’s ideas about natural selection and species diversification. His observations of the finches' variations highlighted the power of environmental pressures in shaping evolutionary change.
Father of Australian Bird Study: He is widely regarded as the "father of bird study" in Australia, inspiring generations of ornithologists and conservationists. The Gould League, a prominent organization dedicated to bird education and conservation, stands as a testament to his enduring legacy.
Artistic Significance: Beyond his scientific contributions, Gould’s meticulously illustrated books remain valuable works of art, showcasing the beauty and diversity of avian life with remarkable accuracy and detail. His use of lithography and innovative techniques like gold leaf application set new standards for ornithological illustration.

Later Years and Death

Return to England: After a productive period in Australia, Gould returned to England in 1840. Sadly, his wife Elizabeth died in 1841.
Continued Publication: Despite personal loss, Gould continued publishing extensively, producing numerous monographs and contributing significantly to the field of ornithology until his death on February 3, 1881, in London. He left behind a vast body of work that continues to inspire and inform scientists and artists today.

Questions & Answers

Can I browse John Gould's works by mood?

The artist's Mood Room page shows John Gould's artworks arranged by their atmosphere.

How did John Gould's art evolve over time?

The Chronicle of John Gould is a scroll-driven timeline that presents the artist's works in chronological order, grouped into career-period chapters.

Where can I see John Gould's artworks in chronological order?

The artist's Artwork Timeline page presents John Gould's works ordered by date, year by year.

By the WahooArt.com Editorial Team Updated Sept. 2, 2026

Collector's quiz

Where was John Gould born?
What was one of John Gould's primary areas of expertise?
Which of the following played a role in Darwin’s theory of evolution, thanks to Gould's work?
Who assisted John Gould with the lithographic plates for his publications?

one You choose the size

Standard formats or any custom dimension, matched to the proportions of the original.

two We paint and send a preview

A photo of the finished canvas for your approval before it is shipped.

three Delivered, certified

Rolled, stretched or framed, insured, with a certificate of authenticity.

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