Description

Description: This stunning, vibrant lithograph is plate XXVI of R. Boudler Sharpe’s “Monograph of the Paradiseidae or Birds of Paradise and Ptilonorhynchidae, or Bower Birds (1891-1898)”.

Titled below: “Xanthomelus Ardens, D’Albert. & Salvad.” which is the formal name of the birds more commonly known as flame bowerbirds. These are found in Australasia and specifically in New Guinea. This is one of 79 spectacular, life-size plates which illustrated Sharpe’s work and were done by artists William Matthew Hart and John Gerrard Keulemans. This plate is marked “W. Hart del. et lith.”

Each plate was hand-colored and the striking effect was heightened by the addition of gum arabic. Folio sheet measures 21 3/4″ x 15″. Comes with original page of text. Item #PR00460

Condition: Retains stitching holes at right margin. Fine bright condition.