Henry Richter was a British zoological illustrator who created a large variety of lithographs mainly for the scientific books of ornithologist John Gould.
• Richter’s use of coloured lithographs was groundbreaking at the time. ‘Notornis Mantelli’ is a beautiful representation of this innovative technique. The vibrant, natural colours of the New Zealand Takahe birds provided Richter with a perfect subject for inspiration.
• Richter’s illustrations attracted the attention of ornithologists around the world, including a New Zealand based one named Richard Owen. This particular piece of Richter’s was featured in Owen’s ‘Memoirs on the extinct wingless birds of New Zealand’.
• The Takahe bird depicted in this piece captures a spiritual significance to the Iwi within the South Island. Ngai Tahu values the Takahe as Taonga (treasure) and a guardian spirit.
• Richter’s work was an important addition to the study of wildlife. It acted as unification between science and art whilst also introducing the world to New Zealand’s wonderful collection of native birds.
Please note that the turnaround time for Museum Collection Prints/Mātātuhi mai i kohinga o Te Papa is 5 to 10 business days
• Richter’s use of coloured lithographs was groundbreaking at the time. ‘Notornis Mantelli’ is a beautiful representation of this innovative technique. The vibrant, natural colours of the New Zealand Takahe birds provided Richter with a perfect subject for inspiration.
• Richter’s illustrations attracted the attention of ornithologists around the world, including a New Zealand based one named Richard Owen. This particular piece of Richter’s was featured in Owen’s ‘Memoirs on the extinct wingless birds of New Zealand’.
• The Takahe bird depicted in this piece captures a spiritual significance to the Iwi within the South Island. Ngai Tahu values the Takahe as Taonga (treasure) and a guardian spirit.
• Richter’s work was an important addition to the study of wildlife. It acted as unification between science and art whilst also introducing the world to New Zealand’s wonderful collection of native birds.
Please note that the turnaround time for Museum Collection Prints/Mātātuhi mai i kohinga o Te Papa is 5 to 10 business days