Geoffroy's Sunbird (male), François Le Vaillant

Drawn from the Histoire naturelle des oiseaux d'Afrique (1799–1808), this portrait of Geoffroy's Sunbird (male) — most likely an African sunbird, probably Cinnyris geoffroyi or a closely related species — exemplifies Le Vaillant's method: observing the living bird, capturing the brilliance of its breeding plumage, and recording the male's display posture. Le Vaillant often named his species as tributes; Geoffroy here refers to the zoologist Étienne Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire. The male's plumage, typical of African sunbirds, displays intense metallic iridescence — green, blue, or violet depending on the angle of light — contrasting with the duller flanks. A plate of rare precision and elegance. Available sizes: 30×40 cm · 40×50 cm · 50×70 cm and more Print: 200 gsm textured matte paper, archival pigment inks