(*Tachyphonus luctuosus*) - (Tangara chilensis) Original hand-colored Yellow Tanager Antique Print by Prêtre (c.1835)

Tanagre and Eufone: Tropical Radiance in Gold and Deep Plum

This refined ornithological engraving presents two vibrant South American passerines identified in the plate as Tanagre Eufone (la Clototica) and Tanagre Frosoni (la gran Tangara della Guiana). The sheet belongs to the ornithological section of the Dizionario di Scienze Naturali, where Pierre Antoine Prêtre captures the chromatic brilliance of tropical avifauna with disciplined precision.

Set against a luminous ground, the two birds create a striking vertical composition. The upper figure glows with saturated yellow contrasted by a deep violet-black mantle, while the lower bird introduces muted greens and olive tones, producing a balanced yet vivid ensemble.

— • —

Visual and Aesthetic Analysis

The Tanagre Eufone commands attention through chromatic intensity. The luminous yellow underparts are carefully modulated, avoiding flatness, while the dark plum-violet head and wing create a sculptural counterweight. The red orbital ring provides a subtle focal accent.

Below, the Tangara della Guiana offers tonal sophistication. Olive-green plumage transitions softly across the wing, while the warm brown tail and crest introduce quiet texture. The two perches, rendered in neutral bark tones, frame the birds without competing for attention. The overall effect is jewel-like yet measured—an exemplary nineteenth-century tropical cabinet plate.

About the Subject

The “Tanagre Eufone” is associated with species of the genus Euphonia, small Neotropical birds renowned for their intense yellow and contrasting dark plumage. In nineteenth-century natural history works, euphonias were admired for their purity of color and compact elegance.

The “gran Tangara della Guiana” refers to tanagers of the family Thraupidae, among the most chromatically diverse bird groups of South America. Their presence in European scientific publications reflected both colonial exploration and the growing fascination with tropical biodiversity. As a 19th-century tropical bird print, this engraving combines scientific interest with strong decorative appeal.

Condition Report

The engraving is in very good antique condition. The impression is clean and well-defined, with preserved original hand-colouring. The paper is smooth early nineteenth-century wove paper (non-laid), consistent with Italian scientific editions of the period. No watermark has been observed. Minor age toning, if present, is consistent with antique paper and does not affect the legibility or decorative quality of the plate.

Details

• Artist (drawn by): Pierre Antoine Prêtre (“Prêtre dip.”)
• Scientific direction: Turpin (“Turpin direx.”)
• Engraver: Terreni (“Terreni inc.”)
• Work / Publication: Dizionario di Scienze Naturali – Sacchetti Collection
• Subjects: Tanagre Eufone (Euphonia sp.) & Tanagre Frosoni (family Thraupidae)
• Period: early 19th century (c. 1835)
• Technique: Original hand-colored copperplate engraving
• Paper: Original smooth wove paper
• Watermark: None observed
• Sheet size: approximately 22 × 15 cm

For further context on Pierre Antoine Prêtre and his contribution to nineteenth-century zoological illustration, see our editorial feature:

Pierre Antoine Prêtre – Illustrator of Natural Science and Marine Life