Artwork

Helianthea osculans (Buff-tailed Star-Frontlet)

Helianthea osculans (Buff-tailed Star-Frontlet), by W. Hart, ink, 1874
Helianthea osculans (Buff-tailed Star-Frontlet), by W. Hart, ink, 1874

Helianthea osculans (Buff-tailed Star-Frontlet) is an ink print by the Impressionist artist W. Hart. It dates from 1874 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Helianthea osculans (Buff-tailed Star-Frontlet) is a hand-colored lithograph created by W. Hart in 1874, depicting a naturalistic scene of two birds amidst flowering vines.

Subject & Meaning

The print features two bright green birds, identified as Buff-tailed Star-Frontlets, perched on large-petaled pink flowers. Their plumage exhibits a mix of shiny green, blue, and brown feathers, particularly noticeable on their wings.

Technique & Style

The artwork utilizes hand-colored lithography, a process where the design is first drawn on stone, printed, and then colored manually. This technique allows for detailed, vibrant representations, as seen in the intricate bird and floral details.

History & Provenance

Created in 1874 by W. Hart, specific details about the artwork's history, ownership, or exhibition record are not provided.

Context

The piece reflects 19th-century interests in ornithology and botanical illustration, common in lithographic prints of the era, which often combined scientific accuracy with aesthetic appeal.

Artist & collection

Portrait of W. Hart

Artist

W. Hart

W. Hart (1804–1881) was an artist.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.