Giclee reprint of an original lithograph from John Gould’s The Birds of Europe, published in London between 1832 and 1837.

The Birds of Europe is a legendary five-volume ornithological masterwork published in London between 1832 and 1837. It was conceptualized and produced by the "English Audubon," John Gould (1804–1881), marking his first massive multi-volume regional study. 

While John Gould conceived the layouts and sketches, he did not transfer them to the printing stones himself. The breathtaking plate of the Common Heron was brought to life by his highly talented wife, Elizabeth Gould, alongside famed poet and illustrator Edward Lear. Lear’s involvement revolutionized the volume's use of perspective and dynamic realism.

The original series was issued in 22 distinct parts over five years to a tiny, elite subscriber list of just over 200 wealthy individuals and European monarchs. Today, complete sets are incredibly valuable rare book treasures.

This plate depicts the grey heron (Ardea cinerea), a large wading bird native throughout temperate Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa. It stands up to 1 meter (3.3 feet) tall. It is famous for its hunting technique: standing completely motionless in shallow water, waiting for fish, frogs, or insects to swim by before striking with lightning speed using its spear-like bill.