Artwork
Eriocnemis cupreiventris (Coppery-vented Puff-Leg)
Eriocnemis cupreiventris (Coppery-vented Puff-Leg) is an ink print by the Romanticist artist John Gould. It dates from 1842 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
The hummingbirds are depicted in various positions, with one flying towards the left side of the painting and another perched on a leaf, looking downwards.
This painting shows four hummingbirds amidst green leaves and flowers. The birds have green backs, blue tails, and white chests with red and orange feathers on their fronts. They are surrounded by large green leaves and a few flowers, including one with long, thin orange petals and another with a yellow center and pink petals.
The hummingbirds are depicted in various positions, with one flying towards the left side of the painting and another perched on a leaf, looking downwards. The background of the painting is a soft, creamy color.
The painting is a hand-colored lithograph, created by John Gould in 1836-1838. It is an example of Romanticism, a movement that emphasized emotion and nature. To learn more about this style, explore the Romanticism movement.
Overview
Eriocnemis cupreiventris (Coppery-vented Puff-Leg) is a hand-colored lithograph created by English ornithologist John Gould.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts four hummingbirds amidst foliage, showcasing their vibrant plumage. The birds are shown in various poses, highlighting their natural behavior. The surrounding leaves and flowers add to the scene's naturalistic charm.
Technique & Style
The work is a hand-colored lithograph, exemplifying the Romanticism movement's emphasis on nature. The soft, creamy background and detailed rendering of the birds and plants demonstrate the artist's skill.
History & Provenance
Gould produced the print between 1836 and 1838. He was a prolific publisher on ornithology, collaborating with various illustrators, including his wife Elizabeth Gould.
Artist & collection
Artist
John Gould (; 14 September 1804 – 3 February 1881) was an English ornithologist who published monographs on birds, illustrated by plates produced by his wife, Elizabeth Gould, and several other artists, including Edward…
Docimastes ensiferus (Sword-billed Hummingbird)
Lesbia Amaryllis
Selashorus scintilla (Scintillant Hummingbird)
Lafresnaya flavicaudata (Buff-tailed Velvet-breast)
Chlorostilbona prasina (Puncheran's Emerald)
Eriocnemis vestitus (Glowing Puff-Leg)
Eugenia imperatrix (Empress Hummingbird)
Caprimulgus europaeus (Nightjar)
