This wonderful collection of original Scottish hummingbird engravings comes from Sir William Jardine’s celebrated The Naturalist’s Library, one of the most ambitious and popular natural-history publications of the 19th century. Published in Edinburgh by W. H. Lizars, the hummingbird volumes first appeared in 1833–1834 and contained 64 beautifully hand-colored engraved plates. These are authentic antique prints from the period, not later reproductions.
Sir William Jardine (1800–1874) was a prominent Scottish naturalist and the driving force behind The Naturalist’s Library. Ultimately extending to 40 volumes, the series covered ornithology, mammals, insects and fish and was conceived to make serious natural history accessible to a much broader audience. Hummingbirds were given particular prominence: the series opened with them, and two volumes were devoted to their extraordinary variety.
These diminutive prints are remarkably detailed. Brilliant plumage, elegant poses and delicate botanical settings transform each bird into a miniature work of art. Some plates are vertically composed while others are horizontal, creating wonderful visual variety when several are framed together.
Their intimate 4” × 8.5” scale makes them especially appealing for designers. A single hummingbird can bring a jewel-like accent to a small wall, while a grouping creates a sophisticated antique natural-history collection without requiring a large amount of space.
We currently have a larger selection in inventory than is shown here, representing a wonderful range of hummingbird species, colors and compositions. Clients and designers are welcome to contact us for photographs of additional available examples, and we are happy to help assemble a complementary grouping.
Measurements: Approximately 4” × 6” each
This wonderful collection of original Scottish hummingbird engravings comes from Sir William Jardine’s celebrated The Naturalist’s Library, one of the most ambitious and popular natural-history publications of the 19th century. Published in Edinburgh by W. H. Lizars, the hummingbird volumes first appeared in 1833–1834 and contained 64 beautifully hand-colored engraved plates. These are authentic antique prints from the period, not later reproductions.
Sir William Jardine (1800–1874) was a prominent Scottish naturalist and the driving force behind The Naturalist’s Library. Ultimately extending to 40 volumes, the series covered ornithology, mammals, insects and fish and was conceived to make serious natural history accessible to a much broader audience. Hummingbirds were given particular prominence: the series opened with them, and two volumes were devoted to their extraordinary variety.
These diminutive prints are remarkably detailed. Brilliant plumage, elegant poses and delicate botanical settings transform each bird into a miniature work of art. Some plates are vertically composed while others are horizontal, creating wonderful visual variety when several are framed together.
Their intimate 4” × 8.5” scale makes them especially appealing for designers. A single hummingbird can bring a jewel-like accent to a small wall, while a grouping creates a sophisticated antique natural-history collection without requiring a large amount of space.
We currently have a larger selection in inventory than is shown here, representing a wonderful range of hummingbird species, colors and compositions. Clients and designers are welcome to contact us for photographs of additional available examples, and we are happy to help assemble a complementary grouping.
Measurements: Approximately 4” × 6” each
