Who painted Trogan variegatus?

Trogan variegatus was painted by John Gould in 1837.

Where can I see Trogan variegatus?

Trogan variegatus is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Trogan variegatus?

Trogan variegatus is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Trogan variegatus

John Gould , 1837

Trogan variegatus is an ink print by the Romanticist artist John Gould. It dates from 1837 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Trogan variegatus is a hand-colored lithograph created by English ornithologist John Gould around 1837, featuring three variegated trogons perched on a branch.

Subject & Meaning

The print showcases three Trogan variegatus birds, each with distinct coloration: a pink-chested, black-headed bird with white wing stripes; a green and black middle bird; and a predominantly pink and black bird with a yellow beak. The scientific naming at the bottom underscores Gould's ornithological focus.

Technique & Style

Executed through hand-colored lithography, the piece exhibits soft, realistic coloration and meticulous detail, characteristic of Gould's collaborative approach with artists, potentially including his wife Elizabeth Gould or others like Edward Lear.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1837, this work predates but relates to Gould's influential *The Birds of Australia* (1840s), foreshadowing his impact on Australian ornithological studies. Provenance details are not specified.

Context

Part of Gould's broader contributions to ornithology, *Trogan variegatus* reflects the era's scientific interest in bird species classification and illustration, facilitated by lithography's reproductive capabilities.

Legacy

While specific legacy of *Trogan variegatus* is not detailed, it contributes to Gould's overall legacy in ornithological illustration and the advancement of Australian bird study through his later, more comprehensive works.

Artist & collection

Artist

John Gould

John Gould (; 14 September 1804 – 3 February 1881) was an English ornithologist who published monographs on birds, illustrated by plates produced by his wife, Elizabeth Gould, and several other artists, including Edward…