‘Harlequin humming-bird’
Date
1787
Creator
John Latham (1740 - 1837, British) , Naturalist
Object type
Library reference
48050
Material
Technique
Dimensions
height (print): 244mm
width (print): 190mm
width (print): 190mm
Subject
Content object
Description
Ornithological study, described here as the Harlequin hummingbird and elsewhere as Troquilus multicolour. The original specimen in the British Museum was later considered a composite or fabricated bird. Here, the creature is posed on the twig of a tree.
Plate 111 from the Supplement to the general synopsis of birds, by John Latham (London, Leigh & Sotheby, 1787). The plate is inscribed above ‘Pl. CXI’; and below ‘Harlequin Humming-Bird.’
In the associated description, the author states: ‘Among the drawings of Colonel Davies, I observe one of these which measures full five inches…The plate herewith given is a good representation.’
John Latham (1740-1837) British surgeon and naturalist, was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1775.
Plate 111 from the Supplement to the general synopsis of birds, by John Latham (London, Leigh & Sotheby, 1787). The plate is inscribed above ‘Pl. CXI’; and below ‘Harlequin Humming-Bird.’
In the associated description, the author states: ‘Among the drawings of Colonel Davies, I observe one of these which measures full five inches…The plate herewith given is a good representation.’
John Latham (1740-1837) British surgeon and naturalist, was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1775.
Associated place