The Fine Art Group advises institutions and non-profits to perform due diligence around deaccessions in order to meet their individual missions. 

We are proud to have advised the Carnegie Museum of Natural History in the deaccession and sale strategy of a collection of ornithological rare books, including 19th century illustrated books by John Gould. The books are being offered through Sotheby’s Fine Books and Manuscripts Sale ending on December 16th, 2022.

For more information on how to register, please visit Sotheby’s by clicking here.

John Gould (British, 1804-1881) was a naturalist and ornithologist that documented exotic birds and other animals across the globe through expertly rendered drawings and watercolors. Gould, with a background in horticulture and taxidermy, had a deep understanding of the natural world and his vast body of work reflects that.

These rare books will be sold to fund the care of the museum’s collection of over 22 million specimens and important objects.

JOHN GOULD
A Monograph of the Trochilidae, or Family of Humming-Birds. London: Taylor and Francis for the Author, [1849-] 1861 and [1880]-1887
Carnegie Museum of Natural History
Sotheby’s
December 16th, 2022
Lot 65
ESTIMATED: $80,000-$120,000
JOHN GOULD & RICHARD BOWDLER SHARPE
The birds of New Guinea and the adjacent Papuan islands, including many species recently discovered in Australia. London: Henry Sotheran & co, 1875-1888
Carnegie Museum of Natural History
Sotheby’s
December 16th, 2022
Lot 69
ESTIMATED: $80,000-$120,000
JOHN GOULD
The Birds of Great Britain. London: by the author, 1862-1873
Carnegie Museum of Natural History
Sotheby’s
December 16th, 2022
Lot 68
ESTIMATED: $50,000-$70,000
JOHN GOULD
The Mammals of Australia. London: Taylor and Francis
Carnegie Museum of Natural History
Sotheby’s
December 16th, 2022
Lot 64
ESTIMATED: $80,000-$120,000

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