Discura longicauda (Racket-Tail)
1842
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From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1842
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This picture shows three bright green hummingbirds with long, thin tails. Two are perched on a plant with red flowers, while one hovers midair near the leaves. The background is soft and light, keeping the focus on the birds and their sharp details. The name *Discura longicauda* means "Racket-Tail," which fits the birds’ long, racket-shaped tail feathers. These were often painted to show nature’s beauty in a precise, almost scientific way. Next, look up lithography to see how artists like this made detailed prints before photography.
