This elegant hand-colored lithograph shows a pair of amazilia hummingbirds perched upon flowering Befaria aestuans. The birds are native to Peru and especially common in Lima. The drawing and lithography are credited to John Gould and Henry C. Richter. Gould (1804-81) created some of the most beautiful bird prints ever produced and was known throughout the world as "The Bird Man." This lithograph appeared in his six-volume series on hummingbirds, published from 1849-87. Printed by Hullmandel and Walton. The lot includes a sheet of text providing information about the species' habitat, name, coloration, and more.

References: Sitwell, p. 102.

Condition: A

A beautiful example in contemporary color that captures the magnificent variety of colors in the plumage.