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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.
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Original engravings from the 17th–19th century.
This exquisite original nineteenth-century hand-colored engraving from Ludwig Reichenbach's Trochilinarum Enumeratio illustrates the remarkable relationship between Mango Hummingbirds and the tropical flowers upon which they depend. More than a beautiful natural history plate, the composition reveals one of nature's most elegant examples of evolutionary harmony.
The birds' iridescent emerald plumage, deep sapphire throat and crimson tail feathers create a magnificent contrast with the large golden blossoms. Every element of the composition highlights the extraordinary refinement that characterises Reichenbach's finest hummingbird engravings.
This engraving stands out through the clarity of its composition. Three hummingbirds occupy distinct positions that naturally guide the eye toward the flowering branch, where elegant trumpet-shaped blossoms dominate the upper half of the plate. The generous white background enhances both the birds and the botanical elements, producing an image of remarkable balance and visual sophistication.
The long, gently curved bills echo the shape of the flowers themselves, transforming the engraving into a visual demonstration of functional beauty. Rather than presenting birds and plants as separate subjects, Reichenbach portrays them as complementary parts of the same living system.
This plate depicts Anthracothorax mango, one of the best-known members of the Mango Hummingbird group. Reichenbach associated the species with Carica papaya, reflecting the close ecological relationship between hummingbirds and nectar-producing tropical plants documented throughout Trochilinarum Enumeratio.
The long, slender bill of the Mango Hummingbird is perfectly adapted to reaching deep within tubular flowers, illustrating one of nature's finest examples of co-evolution. As hummingbirds feed on nectar, they simultaneously transport pollen between blossoms, making them essential pollinators within tropical ecosystems. This engraving beautifully captures that intricate partnership between anatomy, behaviour and botany.
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 and a clear plate mark. Minor age-related signs may be present, entirely consistent with authenticity and the historical character of the work.
Species: Anthracothorax mango
Common name: Mango Hummingbird
Work: Trochilinarum Enumeratio
Author: Ludwig Reichenbach
Date: c. 1855–1860
Technique: Original hand-colored engraving
Plate: DCCXCI (791)
Reference numbers: 4839–41
Inscription: ad naturam (“drawn from life”)
Associated plant: Carica papaya L.
Origin noted by Reichenbach: Antilles, Brazil, Paraguay, British Guiana, Mexico and New Granada
Sheet size: approx. 28.5 × 22.5 cm
Specific References
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 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.
An original nineteenth-century hand-colored engraving from Ludwig Reichenbach's Trochilinarum Enumeratio, depicting hummingbirds surrounding their nest among brilliant tubular blossoms. This elegant composition celebrates the harmony between tropical birds, flowers and the delicate cycle of new life.
An original nineteenth-century hand-colored engraving from Ludwig Reichenbach's Trochilinarum Enumeratio, depicting three hummingbirds gathered around elegant pendulous blossoms. One of the most harmonious compositions of the series, celebrating movement, colour and the timeless relationship between hummingbirds and flowering plants.
An exceptional original hand-colored engraving from Ludwig Reichenbach's Trochilinarum Enumeratio, depicting the magnificent Crimson Topaz (Topaza pyra) beside its beautifully woven nest. One of the rarest behavioural studies in nineteenth-century ornithological illustration, combining scientific observation with remarkable decorative elegance.
Original nineteenth-century hand-colored engraving from the rare Sylphae section associated with Ludwig Reichenbach's Trochilinarum Enumeratio. Plate 821 depicts two brilliantly coloured hummingbirds among delicate white blossoms.
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 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 depicting the Blue-headed Sabrewing (Saepiopterus lazulus), a tropical hummingbird illustrated by Ludwig Reichenbach in his celebrated 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, depicting Chrysuronia eliciae among the tropical blossoms of Pitcairnia exscapa. A richly composed Victorian natural history plate celebrating hummingbirds, botanical diversity and the living complexity of tropical ecosystems.
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 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 the Purple-throated Carib (Eulampis jugularis), one of the most spectacular Caribbean hummingbirds illustrated in Ludwig Reichenbach’s Trochilinarum Enumeratio.
Original 19th-century hummingbird engraving depicting Cuvier’s Sabrewing (*Campylopterus cuvierii*), published by Ludwig Reichenbach for *Trochilinarum Enumeratio*. A refined composition marked *ad naturam* — drawn from life — combining scientific observation with remarkable decorative elegance.
An original hand-colored engraving depicting Lucian's Puffleg (Eriocnemis luciani), one of the most distinctive high-Andean hummingbirds illustrated by Ludwig Reichenbach in Trochilinarum Enumeratio (c. 1855–1860). Drawn ad naturam ("from life"), the composition captures the remarkable white feather tufts that give pufflegs their name, together with brilliant emerald plumage and delicate yellow blossoms. Combining Victorian scientific precision with refined decorative elegance, this authentic nineteenth-century engraving remains both an important ornithological document and a striking work of natural history art.