This lovely hand-colored lithograph shows a trio of blue-headed sapphires perche on a flowering plant. The text notes that "the breast of the male is so brilliant and glittering that it cannot be truthfully depicted;" that said, the two male specimens here are beautifully colored, as is the female specimen, with her more muted greenish-bronze and steel-blue hue. 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 bird's habitat, appearance, and more.

References: Sitwell, p. 102.

Condition: A

Exquisite contemporary color on a slightly toned sheet.