Spathura underwoodi (White-footed Racket-Tail)

Executed as a lithograph, the image was first drawn onto a stone surface and then transferred to paper, allowing for fine line work and subtle tonal variation. After printing, the artist applied hand‑applied watercolor to enhance the birds’ feathers and the vivid hues of the flower, creating a delicate balance between detail and soft background tones.

The piece originates from the mid‑nineteenth‑century surge of natural‑history illustration, a period when European artists frequently documented exotic species for scientific and educational purposes. It bears the scientific name Spathura underwoodi at its base, confirming its intent as a reference illustration rather than a purely decorative work.

During the 1840s, lithography was a preferred medium for disseminating accurate depictions of flora and fauna, as the process allowed multiple copies to be produced relatively quickly. Richter’s work fits within this tradition, serving both as a visual record for ornithologists and as an example of the era’s growing interest in tropical biodiversity.