Lophornis chalybeus (Festive Coquette)
1842
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
About the artist
1842
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Lophornis chalybeus (Festive Coquette) is a 1842 ink by H.C. Richter, a Romanticism work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This painting shows three bright green hummingbirds hovering near flowers. Two birds are drinking nectar from red and pink blossoms, while the third hovers nearby. The background has soft green leaves and a pale sky, keeping the focus on the birds and flowers. The artist used careful brushwork to show the birds’ tiny details, like their curved beaks and shimmering feathers. The name *Lophornis chalybeus* is written at the bottom, which is the scientific name for the Festive Coquette hummingbird. Next, look up lithography to see how artists like Richter made prints like this one.
