Exquisite Lizars Hummingbird antique print, Trochilus Coeligena. c1845

by Lizars, William Home

Purple Humming-bird antique print. Trochilus Coeligena from Mexico. Apparently rarely seen, it is described as "..rich violet to a brilliant and sparkling red, while below, it is tempered in the shade with a chaste and beautiful grey."

Beautiful finely engraved and hand-coloured steel engraving by eminent Edinburgh engraver W.H. Lizars (1788-1859) for Jardine's Naturalist’s Library series of Humming-Birds published in London circa 1845.

Utilizing the expertise of eminent naturalists in each field, Jardine employed William Home Lizars to engrave over 1,200 different species of animals, fish, birds and insects. They are considered the finest miniature nature portraits ever done. Beautifully coloured, each stands out from its uncoloured engraved background. Sir William Jardine (1800-1874), was a naturalist who was particularly keen on ornithology - and also on Lizars’ sister Jane Home Lizars, whom he married.

Gorgeous small bird portrait by W.H. Lizars, in good condition except for faint flaws in the paper. Most antique prints have imperfections... as we all would have at that age (in this case almost 190 years old). Size of engraving is 9.5 x 16cm (3.75 x 6.25 inches).