Red-capped Parrot (*Purpureicephalus spurius*) – Original lithograph by Green, Mathews (1910–27)

Red-Capped Parrot: A Diagonal Flash of Scarlet and Emerald

This original early twentieth-century hand-colored lithograph depicts Purpureicephalus spurius, the Red-capped Parrot. The plate belongs to Gregory M. Mathews’ monumental publication The Birds of Australia, illustrated by Roland Green and issued by Witherby & Co.

Set along a sharply angled eucalyptus branch, the bird is rendered with a strong diagonal thrust that immediately energizes the sheet. The vivid scarlet crown acts as a visual signature, balanced by luminous greens and a warm yellow wash at the throat—an arrangement that feels both natural and intentionally composed.

— • —

Visual and Aesthetic Analysis

This is one of the most graphically confident single-bird plates in the Mathews series. Roland Green uses the diagonal branch as a compositional spine: it guides the eye from the red cap down through the layered green mantle, across the darker wing structure, and into the long tapering tail, which completes the movement with elegant restraint.

The colour relationships are especially refined. Emerald and teal greens are deepened by subtle feather modelling, while the throat’s golden tone introduces warmth without breaking the overall harmony. Small botanical elements—eucalyptus leaves and pale seed clusters—add context and delicacy, enriching the atmosphere without crowding the subject.

The resulting impression is both decorative and modern: a crisp subject, ample negative space, and a palette that reads vividly even from across a room—ideal for display in contemporary interiors.

About the Species

The Red-capped Parrot is a distinctive Australian species, instantly recognisable by its intense crimson crown and compact, athletic build. It is often associated with woodland habitats where eucalyptus provides both food sources and shelter.

In Mathews’ project, parrots held particular importance: their diversity, regional variation, and striking colouration offered an ideal subject through which scientific classification and visual splendour could converge on a single plate.

Condition Report

Very good antique condition. Fresh original hand-coloring with strong lithographic impression. Printed on fine early twentieth-century wove paper. Minor age toning slightly more visible along the outer margins, consistent with age.

Details

• Author: Gregory M. Mathews
• Illustrator: Roland Green (“Green del.”)
• Work: The Birds of Australia
• Species: Red-capped Parrot (Purpureicephalus spurius)
• Period: circa 1910
• Technique: Original hand-colored lithograph
• Paper: Fine original wove paper
• Publisher: Witherby & Co.

For further insight into Roland Green’s contribution to ornithological illustration: Roland Green – Dynamic Vision and Field-Born Precision in Bird Art