Le grand Oiseau de paradis Emeraude

Title

Le grand Oiseau de paradis Emeraude

Description

Hand-coloured engraving showing a male bird of paradise (Paradisea apoda), after Jacques Barraband von Pérée, published by Langlois around 1800.

ca. 1850

Artist

Pérée (1767-1809)

Jacques Louis Perée was a highly influential French artist of the late 19th century, whose works have come to define the neo-classical movement in French art. His works are renowned for their technical mastery of light and shadow, as well as a wistful, poetic atmosphere. He often painted scenes of classical mythology, which were characterized by their delicate brushstrokes and subtle color harmonies, creating a sense of tranquility and harmony in his works. He was also known for his narrative qualities, often conveying a sense of story and emotion within his compositions. His influence has been felt throughout the art world, with his works often inspiring generations of new artists to come. As a result, Perée's works have become highly sought after in the world of art, design, and creativity.

Historical Description

Birds (Aves) are a group of vertebrates. Like all terrestrial vertebrates (Tetrapoda), birds have two pairs of extremities, the front ones of which are transformed into wings. Plumage plays a major role in the overall appearance of birds: the body is covered in feathers. Most birds are able to fly. All flightless species have evolved from species that were originally able to fly. This applies, for example, to ratites, penguins and many island forms, such as the kiwi (New Zealand) and the stubby cormorant (Galapagos Islands). It is generally undisputed that birds come from the evolutionary line of reptiles. Crocodiles are considered to be their closest living relatives. Together, crocodiles and birds form the diapsid subgroup of the Archosauria.