Eucephala smaragdocaerulea (Gould's Wood Nymph)
1842
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1842
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This image shows three bright green hummingbirds perched on a branch with red and pink flowers. The birds have long, slightly curved beaks and iridescent feathers that shimmer in green and blue. The flowers are detailed with soft pink and red petals, and the leaves are painted in shades of green. The artist used hand coloring to add the vivid hues to the birds and flowers, making them stand out against the light background. This style was common in scientific illustrations from the 1800s. Look up lithography to see how this print was made.
