Elizabeth Gould was a talented commercial lithographer who, with her husband John Gould, published seven major natural history monographs. Thanks to the intricate detail and naturalism of Elizabeth’s prints and John’s sharp business skills and passion for natural history, the Gould’s became internationally renowned bird illustrators.

The daughter of a naval and military family, Elizabeth was employed as a governess before marrying John, a skilled taxidermist, in 1829. Already an accomplished artist before her marriage, it was after John taught her lithography that she fortified her extraordinary talent for printmaking. Often working from her husband’s sketches, Gould eventually became the chief artist and lithographer for the couple’s natural history monograph publications. Their first book, A Century of Birds from the Himalaya Mountains, was published between 1830 and 1832 and included eighty plates. With the assistance of lithographer Edward Lear, Gould hand-colored and printed over 600 plates during her twelve year marriage.

The Goulds, who raised six children, traveled widely in pursuit of new and different birds and animals. Together they circumnavigated the world and lived in Australia from 1838-1840. After their return from Australia, Elizabeth became ill and died in 1841. Her sketches were translated into lithographs by H.C. Richter and published under his name. John continued traveling and printing folio volumes until his death in 1881.

Elizabeth and John’s other publications include The Birds of Europe, 1832-1837, A Monograph of the Ramphastidae, 1834, A Monograph of the Trogonidae, 1835-1838, A Synopsis of the Birds of Australia, 1837-1838, The Birds of Australia, 1837-1838, and Icones Avium, 1837-1838.

Traveler, Governess

Ramsgate

Hobart

Private lessons

wife of John Gould student of and collaborated with Edward Lear

none

not applicable

Ramsgate (died at)