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Topaza pyra (Fairy Topaz)

H.C. Richter

1842

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Romanticism Early 19th Century

Dominant colour

Topaza pyra (Fairy Topaz) is a 1842 ink by H.C. Richter, a Romanticism work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: H.C. Richter
When & what style?: 1842 · Romanticism
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This image shows a bright hummingbird in mid-flight, its wings spread wide. Its feathers glow red, green, and yellow, and it hovers near a hanging flower. Behind it, a banana leaf and a perched bird sit quietly on a branch. The artist used soft watercolor washes to blend the background, making the bird stand out. The name "Topaza pyra" is written at the bottom, hinting at the bird’s real identity. Next, check out the technique: lithography to see how artists like this made prints.