Who painted Topaza pyra (Fairy Topaz)?

Topaza pyra (Fairy Topaz) was painted by H.C. Richter in 1842.

Where can I see Topaza pyra (Fairy Topaz)?

Topaza pyra (Fairy Topaz) is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Topaza pyra (Fairy Topaz)?

Topaza pyra (Fairy Topaz) is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Topaza pyra (Fairy Topaz)

H.C. Richter , 1842

Topaza pyra (Fairy Topaz) is an ink print by the Romanticist artist H.C. Richter. It dates from 1842 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Created in 1842, this hand‑colored lithograph by H.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1842, this hand‑colored lithograph by H.C. Richter presents the hummingbird species Topaza pyra, commonly known as the Fairy Topaz. The print captures the bird in mid‑flight, its iridescent plumage rendered in vivid reds, greens and yellows, set against a softly washed background that includes a hanging flower, a banana leaf and a nearby perched bird.

Subject & Meaning

The focal point is the Fairy Topaz hummingbird, a tropical species noted for its brilliant metallic colors. By positioning the bird in dynamic flight and juxtaposing it with still elements of foliage and a companion bird, the image emphasizes both the creature’s energetic nature and its integration within a lush, tropical environment.

Technique & Style

Richter employed lithography, a planographic printing method that allows fine line work and tonal variation, then applied hand‑colored watercolor washes to enhance the bird’s plumage and the surrounding foliage. The delicate blending of background tones creates depth, while the precise coloration of the hummingbird highlights its iridescence, a hallmark of 19th‑century naturalist illustration.

History & Provenance

The print originates from the early Victorian period, a time when European naturalists and artists produced detailed studies of exotic fauna. H.C. Richter, active in the mid‑19th century, contributed to this tradition, and the work has been preserved in several museum collections that focus on scientific illustration and printmaking.