Meyer, H. L.
Bird plate. Greater black backed gull (Adult in perfect winter plumage), Larus marinus Linn.
London, the author, ca. 1835. Folio (37.3 x 27.5 cm). Well preserved hand-painted engraving of a bird in its natural surroundings.
This is a lovely hand-coloured plate from arguably the finest and most complete atlas of portraits of British avifauna ever published (see, e.g., Hale): Henry Meyer's Illustrations of British Birds (London, Longman, 1835-1850). Illustrated by the Dutch-born British ornithologist Henri Leonhard Meyer (1797-1865), and finely coloured by his wife, Mary Anne, or one of their daughters. This print is in very good condition. Some spotting, mainly to right margin. No creases, dents or tears present. Nissen IVB, 627.