Louis Jean Pierre Vieillot, Large Vireo Bird Illustration, 1807, Handcolored Print

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This image is a handcolored antique print, titled 'Le Viréon musicien', representing a vireo bird species. The bird is illustrated … Read more This image is a handcolored antique print, titled 'Le Viréon musicien', representing a vireo bird species. The bird is illustrated perched on a tree branch, portrayed in profile facing the right. The vireo is elegantly colored, primarily in shades of olive green, with subtle yellow tones on its underparts and delicate white rings around the eyes, which is a distinguishing feature of many vireo species. Its wings show darker green with lighter streaks, and the bird seems to be attentively gazing ahead. The text beneath the illustration indicates the title of the bird depicted, as well as the Latin name, 'Vireo musicus', which is likely a historical or alternative name for this species, as contemporary nomenclature may vary. The phrase 'pl. 52' marks its place in the sequence of illustrations in the source publication. This print comes from the work 'Histoire Naturelle des Oiseaux de l'Amerique Septentrionale' by Louis Jean Pierre Vieillot, published around 1807. The names 'Langlois sculp.', 'Bouquet', and 'Pretre pinxt.' are referenced here as well, indicating the engraver, artist, and painter involved in the creation of the original work. The condition of the print shows typical signs of aging. There is noticeable foxing on the paper, and the edges of the print exhibit slight discoloration and wear. However, these imperfections do not detract from the overall visual appeal of the print. The hand-finished coloration is still vibrant, demonstrating the high level of craftsmanship of the period. This print is an important artifact, as it represents the early study of birds in their natural habitats rather than as mere specimens, a shift in scientific thought as noted in the of Vieillot's pioneering ornithological approach. See less