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Antique Hand-Coloured Hummingbird Engraving with Gold Highlights, c.1835
£245 ($325, €288)
Period original, not a reproduction.
Shipped from the Netherlands, flat, insured and tracked, worldwide. Returns accepted within 14 days.
- Date
- 1835
- Size
- 11.6 × 8.5 in (29.5 × 21.6 cm)
- Condition
- Very good for its age. Light scattered foxing and faint age toning, mostly in the margins, with bright, well-preserved colours. Plate mark visible. Comes in a matting board.
- Period
- Early 19th century
- Section
- Birds
- Reference
- f_46251772
Antique Hand-Coloured Hummingbird Engraving with Gold Highlights, c.1835
This finely detailed hand-coloured engraving presents two exquisite hummingbirds perched on delicate branches, rendered with remarkable precision and vibrant colour. The print depicts:
1. L’oiseau Mouche à collier (Collared Hummingbird), shown at three-quarters of its natural size, with a vivid cobalt-blue head and throat, iridescent green upperparts, and striking golden highlights on the wings and tail.
2. L’oiseau Mouche à larges tuyaux (Broad-Tailed Hummingbird), also at three-quarters natural size, with shimmering emerald-green plumage, golden feather accents, and a graceful, elongated tail.
The engraving was produced by Louis-Aimé Martin Beau, based on designs from leading 19th-century natural history illustrators. It was published by T. Lejeune, Paris, around 1835, during a period when European audiences were fascinated by exotic New World bird species. Such plates were prized not only for their scientific accuracy but also for their decorative beauty, making them popular with both naturalists and collectors.
The colouring, applied by hand, is further enhanced with delicate gold highlights that capture the metallic lustre typical of hummingbird plumage, while the fine line engraving preserves intricate feather patterns. These species, native to Central and South America, are celebrated for their iridescent colours, rapid wingbeats, and ability to hover while feeding on nectar.
Condition: Very good for its age. Light scattered foxing and faint age toning, mostly in the margins, with bright, well-preserved colours. Plate mark visible. Comes in a matting board.
Framing tips: A natural wood or gold-toned frame with a soft cream or off-white mat will complement the vibrant greens and blues. Alternatively, a deep green mount, as shown here, enhances the naturalistic presentation and makes the iridescent colours pop.
Technique: Hand-coloured engraving with gold highlights
Maker: Louis-Aimé Martin Beau (engraver), published by T. Lejeune, Paris, c.1835
