The Elliot Pl. 29, Rawnsley’s Bower-bird is richly colored and attentively detailed to capture this magnificent species.
This hand-colored lithograph conveys Elliot’s acute understanding of the bird’s shape, iridescent plumage, and native habitat. A perfect addition to your home or office, this splendid bird of paradise will elevate and enhance any environment!
About A Monograph of the Birds of Paradise
Issued in 1873, Daniel Giraud Elliot’s A Monograph of the Birds of Paradise depicts members of this magnificent and enigmatic family of birds in their native environment of New Guinea. In some instances, the hand-colored lithographs are accented with gold leaf to enhance the iridescent quality of the bird’s magnificent plumes. Employing the artistic acuity of Joseph Wolf, the printmaking capabilities of Josef Smit, and the technical coloring skill of J.D. White, Elliot orchestrated this astounding crescendo of dramatic color and elegant detail.
About Daniel Giraud Elliot
The artwork of the renowned 19th-century zoologist Daniel Giraud Elliot includes a monograph on the Family of Pheasants, Birds of Paradise, and Family of Cats. These lusciously colored lithographs present the animals and birds enmeshed in their natural environments. As a result of his independent wealth, Elliot spared no expense in the creation of his folios and used costly materials such as gold leaf to capture the glistening iridescence of the birds. Consequently, the costly productions were primarily obtained by only the most affluent individual and institutional clientele. In addition to his artistic works, Elliot cultivated a prolific literary career and was instrumental in developing ornithological societies and natural history institutions in America.
For more information about Elliot Pl. 29, Rawnsley’s Bower-bird, email us at [email protected] or check out our articles The Birds of Paradise: One of Nature’s Most Elusive, Ostentatious, and Promiscuous Families and The Alchemy of Nature – Using Gold in Natural History Art.
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