Great African Kingfisher, Plate 11 from Birds of Western Africa
Classification
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Hamill and Barker
Accession Number
1961-105-169
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Behold the vibrant *Great African Kingfisher, Plate 11* from *Birds of Western Africa a stunning 1837 print by Scottish engraver William Home Lizars (1788–1859). This detailed depiction captures the bird's iridescent plumage and poised elegance, showcasing Lizars' mastery in ornithological illustration during the height of 19th-century natural history. As Plate 11 in a series documenting Western Africa's rich avian diversity, it reflects the era's scientific fervor, fueled by European expeditions into the continent. Lizars, a leading Edinburgh engraver, was renowned for his precise hand-color...