Jardine’s Naturalist’s Library, female Trochilus Anais. Lizars engraving c1854.
$95.00
Trochilus Thalassinus renamed Trochilus Anais, Saw-toothed Blue-bellied Humming-bird, Native of Mexico.
Finely engraved original hand-coloured steel engraving by eminent Edinburgh engraver W.H. Lizars (1788-1859), for Jardine's Naturalist's Library family of Trochilidae or Humming-Birds by Sir William Jardine. Published in London c1854.
Under the guidance of eminent naturalists in each field, Lizars engraved over 1,200 different species of animals, fish, birds and insects. They are considered the finest miniature nature portraits ever done. Beautifully coloured, they effectively stand out from uncoloured engraved background habitats. Sir William Jardine, (1800-1874) was a naturalist who was particularly keen on ornithology – and also on Lizars’ sister Jane Home Lizars, whom he married.
This beautiful engraving is over 180 years old. It is in fine condition except for slight age-discolouration along page edges. Approximate size 123 x 170 mm (4.25 x 6.75 inches).
