Mascarene Parakeet & Red-Yellow Parrot (Psittacula sp.) – Antique Hand-Colored Engraving by Pauquet

Mascarene Parakeet and Red-Yellow Parrot: Vivid Contrast in Exotic Bird Illustration

This original 19th-century hand-colored engraving depicts two exotic parrots, identified on the plate as the “Perroquet à Mascarin” and a brightly coloured red-and-yellow parrot, drawn and engraved by the Pauquet brothers and published under the direction of Charles Lemaire. The composition reflects the decorative richness characteristic of exotic ornithological illustration of the period.

Executed within the tradition of “Peintes d’Après Nature”, the birds are rendered with strong immediacy — their vivid coloration and contrasting attitudes transforming the scientific subject into a visually striking and highly decorative image.

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Visual and Aesthetic Analysis

The composition is structured along intersecting branches, creating a balanced yet dynamic interaction between the two birds. The upper figure, with its more subdued grey and brown tones, introduces stability, while the lower bird provides a strong visual counterpoint through its intense chromatic presence.

Colour plays a central role in the composition. The lower parrot’s brilliant red body and luminous yellow wings dominate the image, creating an immediate visual impact, while the upper bird adds contrast through softer tones and more restrained modelling.

The clean background enhances the clarity of the forms, allowing the birds to stand out with sculptural definition. The foliage, lightly rendered, introduces a natural context without distracting from the central chromatic interplay.

The overall effect is bold and decorative, combining strong colour contrasts with a composed and balanced structure, making the engraving particularly effective as a wall piece.

About the Species

Parrots from tropical regions, especially those associated with island ecosystems such as the Mascarenes, fascinated 19th-century naturalists for their distinctive forms and vivid plumage. Their representation in engraving allowed these rare and often little-known species to be studied and admired across Europe.

Such birds combined scientific interest with strong decorative appeal, making them ideal subjects for illustrated natural history works and highly desirable for collectors.

Condition Report

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 age toning and a few scattered marginal spots consistent with age, while the central image remains bright and visually attractive. A decorative and well-balanced impression.

Details

• Artist: Pauquet brothers (Hippolyte & Polydore Pauquet)
• Publisher: Charles Lemaire
• Subject: Mascarene Parakeet & Red-Yellow Parrot
• Period: 19th century
• Technique: Original hand-colored engraving
• Paper: Fine period paper
• Watermark: None observed
• Sheet size: approx. 23 × 13 cm