Original nineteenth-century hand-colored engraving depicting Victoria's Trainbearer (Lesbia victoriae), a rare Andean hummingbird illustrated by Ludwig Reichenbach in Trochilinarum Enumeratio.
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Original engravings from the 17th–19th century.
This original nineteenth-century hand-colored engraving depicts Victoria's Trainbearer (Lesbia victoriae), a graceful Andean hummingbird illustrated by Ludwig Reichenbach in his celebrated Trochilinarum Enumeratio. The plate combines scientific observation with a striking sense of movement and visual balance.
Two long-tailed hummingbirds are arranged in a dynamic crossing composition, their elongated tail feathers creating a refined architectural rhythm across the page. The result is one of the most elegant and visually distinctive plates in the collection.
This engraving stands out for its remarkable sense of symmetry and suspended motion. The two birds appear almost to mirror one another, while the long tail feathers draw the eye diagonally through the composition, creating a powerful yet refined visual structure.
The soft botanical elements and small red blossoms add colour without disturbing the clarity of the design. Its balance of movement, elegance and spacious white margins makes this plate especially suitable for refined interiors, studies, libraries and curated natural history walls.
Lesbia victoriae, known as Victoria's Trainbearer, belongs to the remarkable group of long-tailed Andean hummingbirds that fascinated nineteenth-century naturalists for their extraordinary form and elegance. Reichenbach recorded the species from New Granada, reflecting the historical geographical terminology of the period.
The associated botanical subject is recorded in Reichenbach’s index as Adenorhopium gossypifolium Pohl., adding an additional layer of natural history interest to the plate. The combination of bird and plant reflects the broader Victorian ambition to represent nature as both scientifically ordered and visually beautiful.
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 condition. Original nineteenth-century paper with strong hand-colouring, generous margins and a well-preserved impression. Visible plate mark consistent with period intaglio printing. Minor age-related marks may be present, fully consistent with authenticity and historical character.
Species: Lesbia victoriae
Common name: Victoria's Trainbearer
Work: Trochilinarum Enumeratio
Author: Ludwig Reichenbach
Date: c. 1855–1860
Technique: Original hand-colored engraving
Plate: DCCXV (715)
Reference number: 4622–23
Associated plant: Adenorhopium gossypifolium Pohl.
Inscription: ad naturam (“drawn from life”)
Origin noted by Reichenbach: New Granada
Sheet size: approx. 28.5 × 22.5 cm
Specific References
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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.