Original nineteenth-century hand-colored engraving by Ludwig Reichenbach, depicting three hummingbirds among pink blossoms. A rare later plate from the Trochilinarum Enumeratio corpus, not fully documented in the principal published index.
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Original engravings from the 17th–19th century.
This original nineteenth-century hand-colored engraving depicts the magnificent Purple-throated Carib (Eulampis jugularis), one of the most striking hummingbirds of the Caribbean. Published by Ludwig Reichenbach in his celebrated Trochilinarum Enumeratio, the plate combines scientific precision with extraordinary visual impact.
The composition presents two beautifully rendered birds displaying the remarkable colour contrasts that made hummingbirds such a source of fascination for nineteenth-century naturalists. Rich crimson plumage, emerald-green wings and deep sapphire tones create an image of exceptional decorative appeal.
Among the Reichenbach hummingbird engravings, this plate stands out for its dramatic colour palette. The brilliant crimson throat contrasts with vivid green plumage and deep cobalt-blue tail feathers, producing an image that immediately attracts attention while remaining refined and balanced.
The flowering orchid above the principal bird is not merely decorative. Reichenbach associated the species with Galeandra baueri, a tropical orchid whose elegant blossoms contribute significantly to the visual identity of the plate. The dialogue between hummingbird and orchid creates a composition that is simultaneously ornithological and botanical, reinforcing the tropical atmosphere while adding remarkable decorative sophistication.
Eulampis jugularis, commonly known as the Purple-throated Carib, is one of the most celebrated hummingbirds of the Lesser Antilles. Reichenbach recorded the species from Martinique, Guiana and Cayenne, reflecting the nineteenth-century scientific understanding of its distribution.
The species became highly admired among early ornithologists because of its intense iridescent colours and powerful flight. Its combination of elegance, rarity and tropical beauty made it an ideal subject for the great natural history publications of the Victorian era.
Reichenbach associated this engraving with Galeandra baueri, a tropical orchid recorded in the original index accompanying the plate. The relationship between hummingbirds and orchids fascinated nineteenth-century naturalists, who often documented both together as part of a broader ecological narrative.
The orchid introduces a refined botanical dimension to the composition. Its delicate blossoms complement the iridescent plumage of the birds while helping transform the engraving into a complete natural history scene, where bird and flower belong to the same tropical environment.
This engraving belongs to Ludwig Reichenbach’s remarkable world of hummingbirds, where Victorian scientific curiosity meets extraordinary visual elegance. Explore the story behind Trochilinarum Enumeratio and discover why these original hummingbird engravings remain so compelling today.
Very Good to Excellent condition. Original nineteenth-century paper with strong colour, clean margins and a well-preserved impression. Visible plate mark consistent with period intaglio printing. Minor signs of age may be present, fully consistent with authenticity and historical character.
Species: Eulampis jugularis
Common name: Purple-throated Carib
Work: Trochilinarum Enumeratio
Author: Ludwig Reichenbach
Date: c. 1855–1860
Technique: Original hand-colored engraving
Plate: DCCXCV (795)
Reference number: 4851–52
Associated plant: Galeandra baueri
Inscription: ad naturam (“drawn from life”)
Origin noted by Reichenbach: Martinique, Guiana, Cayenne
Sheet size: approx. 28.5 × 22.5 cm
Specific References
Original nineteenth-century hand-colored engraving depicting the Green-tailed Trainbearer (Lesbia bifurcata), one of Ludwig Reichenbach’s most elegant hummingbird compositions from Trochilinarum Enumeratio.
An exceptional original hand-colored engraving from Ludwig Reichenbach's Trochilinarum Enumeratio, portraying hummingbirds during the nesting season. Featuring a beautifully woven nest, delicate blue flowers and vibrant emerald plumage, this rare nineteenth-century composition combines ornithological observation with remarkable decorative elegance.
An original nineteenth-century hand-colored engraving from Ludwig Reichenbach's Trochilinarum Enumeratio, depicting Mango Hummingbirds feeding among elegant tropical blossoms. This refined composition celebrates the remarkable evolutionary relationship between hummingbirds and the flowers they pollinate.
Original nineteenth-century hand-colored engraving depicting the Jamaican Mango (Anthracothorax mango), a striking tropical hummingbird illustrated by Ludwig Reichenbach in his celebrated Trochilinarum Enumeratio.
An original nineteenth-century hand-colored engraving from Ludwig Reichenbach's Trochilinarum Enumeratio, depicting Bourcieria prunellii among the vibrant blossoms of Achimenes picta. A refined composition balancing quiet observation and graceful flight in one of the most elegant plates of the series.
An elegant original nineteenth-century hand-colored engraving from Ludwig Reichenbach's Trochilinarum Enumeratio, depicting Ramond's Hummingbird among the scarlet blossoms of Lemoinea spectabilis. A beautifully balanced composition celebrating the harmony between hummingbirds and tropical flowers.
Original nineteenth-century hand-colored engraving depicting Coeligena sagittata and the hummingbird identified by Reichenbach as Warszewiczii (later associated with Helianthea iris Gould). A visually striking composition featuring emerald plumage, warm copper tones and two botanical species from Northern Peru.
An original nineteenth-century hand-colored engraving from Ludwig Reichenbach's Trochilinarum Enumeratio, portraying emerald hummingbirds feeding among brilliant crimson and golden blossoms. A refined natural history composition celebrating the extraordinary colours and botanical diversity of the tropical forest.
An exceptional original hand-colored engraving from Ludwig Reichenbach's Trochilinarum Enumeratio, depicting five brilliant hummingbirds feeding among scarlet tropical flowers. Featuring Esmeralda, Euchloris and Maculicollis, this dynamic nineteenth-century composition beautifully combines botanical richness with the elegance of Victorian ornithological illustration.
An original nineteenth-century hand-colored engraving from Ludwig Reichenbach's Trochilinarum Enumeratio, depicting Coeligena ourissia among the elegant blossoms of Bignonia picta. Four hummingbirds create one of the most harmonious and visually refined compositions in the celebrated Victorian series.
An original nineteenth-century hand-colored engraving from Ludwig Reichenbach's Trochilinarum Enumeratio, depicting brilliantly iridescent hummingbirds feeding among Stachytarpheta and Cleome blossoms. A refined composition celebrating the extraordinary colours and botanical relationships of tropical hummingbirds.
An original nineteenth-century hand-colored engraving from Ludwig Reichenbach's Trochilinarum Enumeratio, depicting Eriocnemis simplex among flowering passionflowers and cactus blossoms. A remarkable natural history engraving celebrating the extraordinary botanical diversity of hummingbird habitats.
Original nineteenth-century hand-colored engraving depicting Victoria's Trainbearer (Lesbia victoriae), a rare Andean hummingbird illustrated by Ludwig Reichenbach in Trochilinarum Enumeratio.
An exceptionally decorative nineteenth-century hand-colored engraving depicting the Crimson Topaz (Topaza pyra), one of the most spectacular hummingbirds of the Amazon Basin. Published by Ludwig Reichenbach in Trochilinarum Enumeratio, the composition combines vibrant colour, remarkable movement and a rarely encountered nesting scene.
An original nineteenth-century hand-colored engraving from Ludwig Reichenbach's Trochilinarum Enumeratio, portraying elegant long-tailed hummingbirds suspended among cascading tropical blossoms. This exceptionally decorative composition combines graceful movement, botanical beauty and the refined artistry of Victorian natural history illustration.
Original nineteenth-century hand-colored engraving by Ludwig Reichenbach, depicting three hummingbirds among pink blossoms. A rare later plate from the Trochilinarum Enumeratio corpus, not fully documented in the principal published index.
An exceptional original hand-colored engraving from Ludwig Reichenbach's Trochilinarum Enumeratio, portraying hummingbirds during the nesting season. Featuring a beautifully woven nest, delicate blue flowers and vibrant emerald plumage, this rare nineteenth-century composition combines ornithological observation with remarkable decorative elegance.
Original nineteenth-century hand-colored engraving by Ludwig Reichenbach, depicting three hummingbirds among pink blossoms. A rare later plate from the Trochilinarum Enumeratio corpus, not fully documented in the principal published index.