Seligmann, Long-Tailed Black-Headed Hummingbird and Butterfly, 1770, Engraving on Paper

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This elegant hand-colored engraving, titled "Avis mellivora macroura capite nigro" (Long-Tailed Hummingbird with Black Head) and "Le Colibri à tête … Read more This elegant hand-colored engraving, titled "Avis mellivora macroura capite nigro" (Long-Tailed Hummingbird with Black Head) and "Le Colibri à tête noire et longue-queue," features a striking depiction of a long-tailed green hummingbird alongside a magnificent black-and-yellow striped butterfly. The hummingbird is perched gracefully on a gnarled tree branch, its slender, elongated tail feathers cascading down the composition, creating a sense of movement and elegance. The accompanying butterfly, intricately detailed, adds a touch of vibrancy to the naturalistic scene. Part of Johann Michael Seligmann's *Sammlung verschiedener ausländischer und seltener Vögel* (Collection of Various Foreign and Rare Birds), this engraving is a testament to 18th-century scientific artistry. Seligmann, a skilled engraver, adapted the works of George Edwards and other prominent naturalists to produce visually stunning and scientifically accurate illustrations. His expert hand-coloring brought the subjects to life, enhancing their appeal to collectors and natural history enthusiasts. This piece is distinguished by its remarkable attention to detail and dynamic composition. The elongated tail feathers of the hummingbird, juxtaposed with the butterfly's vibrant patterns, highlight the diversity of forms in nature. The precise rendering of the bird's iridescent plumage and the botanical elements creates a visually captivating artwork that is both scientifically valuable and aesthetically pleasing. See less