Snowy Owl (1832–1837) — John Gould, Edward Lear & Charles Joseph Hullmandel
Arctic calm with a hunter’s gaze. This 19th-century ornithological plate renders the Snowy Owl in luminous whites and charcoal mottling—regal, alert, and exquisitely observed. Feathers read like frost; the eye glows like winter sun. Scholarly yet striking, it’s a timeless centrepiece for nature-loving interiors.
Why it captivates
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Ornithological pedigree — artwork by John Gould and Edward Lear, lithographed by C. J. Hullmandel.
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Feather-by-feather clarity — subtle barring and down captured with masterly precision.
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Quiet drama — a poised raptor against a cool, uncluttered ground.
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Monochrome elegance — soft whites, greys, and graphite blacks suit any palette.
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Conversation piece — Victorian science meeting high art.
What you’ll see
A full-length Snowy Owl in dignified stance: rounded head, keen yellow eye, dense winter plumage with delicate barring, and powerful, fur-fringed talons. Minimal setting and tidy legend keep the focus on anatomy and character—order, texture, and poise on one refined sheet.
A richer historical frame
Issued between 1832 and 1837, plates like this joined Gould’s field knowledge with Lear’s extraordinary draughtsmanship, transferred to stone by Hullmandel’s pioneering lithography. The collaboration helped define the golden age of Victorian bird illustration, where scientific accuracy and artistic sensitivity moved in lockstep.
Choose your finish
🌟 Heavyweight Paper (160 gsm matte)
Archival-grade, smooth matte stock ideal for framing under glass. Crisp detail, minimal glare.
💎 Laminated (True Encapsulation)
Sealed in 2 × 80-micron gloss laminate, edge-to-edge. Durable, wipe-clean—great for busy spaces and classrooms.
🪵 Laminated + Timber Hang Rails (Ready to hang)
Lacquered natural timber rails with fitted hanging cord; no frame required.
Please allow up to 10 working days for hang-railed delivery.
🏆 Archival Canvas (395 gsm HP Professional Matte)
Museum-quality texture with pigment-based, fade-resistant inks for rich tone and fine gradation.
🪵 Canvas + Timber Hang Rails (Gallery-ready)
As above, supplied with lacquered natural timber rails and hanging cord.
Please allow up to 10 working days for hang-railed delivery.
Size (W × H)
560 × 841 mm (approx. 22.05 × 33.11 in)
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Orientation: Portrait
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Aspect ratio: ~2 : 3
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Nearest standard frame: A1 (594 × 841 mm) — portrait
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Framing tips:
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Classic: A1 frame with a mat window cut to ~556 × 837 mm (2–3 mm overlap).
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Contemporary: float-mount in A1 to showcase the plate edge and create a clean shadow gap.
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Custom sizing: Available on request (alternative aspect ratios or added white border).
Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Snowy Owl |
| Artists/Lithographer | John Gould, Edward Lear & Charles Joseph Hullmandel |
| Date | 1832–1837 |
| Historical Context | Golden age of Victorian ornithological lithography |
| Print Size | 560 mm (W) × 841 mm (H) |
| Available Finishes | Paper, Laminated, Laminated + Timber Hang Rails, Canvas, Canvas + Timber Hang Rails |
| Paper Weight | 160 gsm archival matte |
| Laminate | 2 × 80-micron gloss (true encapsulation) |
| Canvas Weight | 395 gsm HP Professional Matte Canvas |
| Inks | Pigment-based, fade-resistant |
| Optional Hang Rails | Natural timber, lacquered; fitted hanging cord (allow up to 10 working days) |
| Origin | Printed in Australia |
Who it’s for
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Natural-history collectors & bird lovers
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Designers & stylists seeking refined monochrome
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Educators & students of art, printmaking, and ornithology
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Gift-givers after a classic with quiet presence
Our Commitment
Every print is produced locally in Australia on premium substrates with careful colour management, then checked and packed by hand so it arrives ready to impress. From studio to wall, we stand behind the craftsmanship and historical integrity of your piece.
Let arctic poise land softly in your home—order your Snowy Owl print today.
