Highly decorative 19th-century engraving of exotic parakeets with vivid blue, red and yellow plumage. A striking and colorful antique bird print.
Your print will be carefully prepared and shipped worldwide via trusted couriers (UPS or similar).
Original engravings from the 17th–19th century.
This original 19th-century hand-colored engraving depicts two parakeets, traditionally associated with brightly coloured species of the genus Lorius or related exotic parrots, drawn and engraved by the Pauquet brothers and published under the direction of Charles Lemaire. The composition exemplifies the most decorative dimension of natural history illustration, where colour and form take a central role.
Executed within the tradition of “Peintes d’Après Nature”, the birds are rendered with striking immediacy — their vivid plumage and dynamic positioning transforming the scientific subject into a visually compelling and highly decorative image.
— • —
The composition is structured along a strong vertical axis, with the two birds arranged in a mirrored interaction along a branching perch. This organisation creates both balance and visual tension, guiding the eye through the image with clarity.
The upper bird presents a striking combination of deep blue and vivid red, contrasted by bright green wings, while the lower bird introduces a bold yellow mass that amplifies the chromatic intensity of the scene. Together, they form a palette of exceptional richness and contrast.
Elongated tail feathers and angular positioning introduce movement and elegance, while the surrounding foliage softens the composition and anchors it within a natural setting.
The overall effect is highly vibrant and decorative — a composition that immediately captures attention and functions as a strong focal point within an interior.
Brightly coloured parrots from tropical regions were among the most admired subjects in 19th-century ornithological illustration. Their intense coloration and expressive forms made them particularly suited to hand-coloured engraving.
In European collections, such birds symbolised both scientific curiosity and the fascination with distant environments, embodying a visual richness that continues to appeal to collectors today.
This engraving belongs to the refined tradition of 19th-century natural history illustration, published under the direction of Charles Lemaire and brought to life through the work of the Pauquet brothers. Working in close collaboration as an engraving atelier, Hippolyte and Polydore Pauquet combined scientific precision with a refined decorative clarity.
Created within the visual culture of “Peintes d’Après Nature”, the composition preserves both the liveliness of the subject and the expressive use of colour, resulting in a print that is both scientifically informed and visually striking.
Explore the full collection of exotic bird engravings: Lemaire – Exotic Birds
Discover more about the engravers in our editorial feature: Pauquet — Engravers of Exotic Natural History
Very good antique condition. The original hand-coloring remains vivid and well preserved, with strong engraved detail throughout. Printed on fine period paper. The sheet shows light, even toning along the edges consistent with age, while the central image remains bright and visually striking. A particularly decorative and impactful impression.
Specific References
Elegant 19th-century hand-colored engraving depicting two sulphur-crested cockatoos, rendered with refined detail and soft tonal harmony. A balanced and decorative exotic bird composition ideal for sophisticated interiors.
This vivid 19th-century engraving depicts two exotic aracaris, showcasing striking contrasts of green, red and yellow plumage. A highly decorative composition combining scientific observation with strong visual appeal, ideal for collectors of tropical ornithology and refined interior spaces.
A striking 19th-century hand-colored engraving depicting two exotic parrots in a composition of vivid chromatic contrast. The brilliant red lory and the grey-headed, yellow-breasted parakeet create a highly decorative image of strong visual presence, ideal for collectors of antique ornithological prints and refined interiors.
A highly dynamic 19th-century engraving depicting a tricolour lory in flight above a contrasting parakeet. The vivid interplay of red, yellow, green and blue creates a striking decorative composition with exceptional visual energy and presence.
A refined 19th-century engraving depicting two parakeets arranged in a fluid and harmonious composition. The dominant green tones, enhanced by delicate red and violet accents, create an elegant and highly decorative natural history print.
A striking 19th-century engraving depicting two exotic parrots with vivid red, pink and green plumage. The composition combines strong colour contrast with elegant vertical balance, creating a highly decorative and visually impactful antique print.
A vivid 19th-century engraving depicting two exotic parakeets in a dynamic vertical composition. The intense red plumage contrasts beautifully with green and yellow tones, creating a striking decorative work with strong visual presence.
Vivid 19th-century hand-colored engraving depicting two parakeets in dynamic interaction, with striking green plumage and contrasting red and violet accents. A highly decorative exotic bird composition.
A vibrant 19th-century hand-colored engraving depicting two exotic parrots with striking red and yellow plumage contrasted by softer natural tones. A dynamic and decorative composition with strong visual presence, ideal for collectors and interior display.
A striking 19th-century engraving depicting two vividly colored parakeets in a dynamic composition. The intense contrast of blue, red, green and yellow creates a highly decorative work, ideal as a focal piece in refined interiors.
A distinctive 19th-century engraving depicting two parrots in an unusual composition, including one shown suspended upside-down. The presence of cage elements adds historical character, creating a unique and visually engaging natural history print.