Vieillot’s Firebacked Pheasant (Gallophasis Vieilloti)

This beautiful, first edition lithograph is from Joseph Wolf’s work Zoological Sketches. The collection was published in London by Henry Graves and Company between 1861 and 1867 for the Zoological Society of London. Regent’s Park in London had been opened in 1828 and had many species from across the globe including the first live African elephant ever brought to England. In the year 1852, the Council of the Zoological Society realized the importance of having “an accurate artistic record of the living form and expression of the many rare species of animals which exist from time to time in the Menagerie. They then commissioned the German-born Wolf to paint watercolors to document the animals at their vivarium in Regent”s Park. This antique print is part of the collection of 100 prints that included birds, reptiles and mammals, and is considered on of the finest collections ever done of scenes of animals in their natural surroundings. This print is from the “First Series” or Deluxe Edition and there were only 50 copies published in the world with this superior hand colored lithography. Wolf is often considered the best animal painter of all time. He completed over 25 plates for John Gould’s famous works as well. Each of Wolf’s plates are known for their scientific nature and artistry. Because of Wolf”s deep love and knowledge of his environment, these prints represent some of the finest creations in zoological iconography.

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