J.M. Seligmann, The Red Bird of Surinam, 18th Century, Engraving on Paper

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This vibrant hand-colored engraving, titled "Garrulus ruber, Surinamensis" (The Red Bird of Surinam), features a striking depiction of a red-plumaged … Read more This vibrant hand-colored engraving, titled "Garrulus ruber, Surinamensis" (The Red Bird of Surinam), features a striking depiction of a red-plumaged bird perched on a gnarled tree branch in a lush landscape. Its intricate feather pattern, highlighted by hues of red and subtle brown, is rendered with remarkable precision, emphasizing the artist’s attention to detail and the bird’s unique beauty. The subtle shading on the bird’s body and the naturalistic portrayal of its surroundings create a harmonious and elegant composition. This illustration, part of Johann Michael Seligmann’s *Sammlung verschiedener ausländischer und seltener Vögel* (Collection of Various Foreign and Rare Birds), reflects the collaboration between Seligmann and George Edwards, one of the 18th century's most renowned naturalists. Edwards originally illustrated this bird in his groundbreaking work *A Natural History of Uncommon Birds*, and Seligmann adapted and enhanced it for a European audience. The German and Latin annotations, along with the exquisite hand-coloring, added to its appeal among collectors and scholars of natural history. The significance of this engraving lies in its combination of scientific importance and artistic mastery. The Red Bird of Surinam was a fascinating species for European audiences, symbolizing the exotic and diverse fauna of the Americas. The engraving not only served as a scientific record but also as a piece of art, celebrated for its vibrant colors and elegant design. See less