Artwork
Psittacus minor gutture fusco, occidentalis
Psittacus minor gutture fusco, occidentalis is an ink print by the Baroque artist Johann Sebastian Leitner. It dates from 1755 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:across top in plate: (title) / Tab.LXXII.; across bottom in plate: G.Eduards ad viv. delin. / J.M.Seligmann excudit. / Joh.Sebast.Leitner Sculps. / Psittacus minor ...a Gorge brune
About this work
Overview
Psittacus minor gutture fusco, occidentalis is a hand-colored etching on laid paper by Johann Sebastian Leitner, dated to 1755. The work depicts a brown-throated parakeet in meticulous detail.
Subject & Meaning
The subject is a brown-throated parakeet, portrayed in a naturalistic pose, perched on a branch with its beak open, suggesting the act of calling. The artwork's focus on a specific species indicates its likely purpose as a scientific illustration or ornithological study.
Technique & Style
Leitner employed a combination of etching and hand-coloring techniques. The etching process involved carving lines into metal, which were then inked to create the gray and brown shading of the bird's feathers. Subsequent hand-coloring added depth and vibrancy, characteristic of pre-photographic era illustrations that valued detailed, realistic representation.
History & Provenance
Created in 1755 by Johann Sebastian Leitner, the etching's historical context places it within the realm of 18th-century European ornithological art. Specific provenance details are not provided, though similar works by the artist can be found at the National Gallery of Art in Washington.
Context
This etching reflects the pre-photographic era's reliance on hand-colored prints for detailed species representation. It aligns with the period's interest in natural history and the dissemination of botanical and zoological knowledge through precise, manually enhanced illustrations.
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