Home > Animals > Mammals > Cricetidae > Orientalis
Indian bee eater, Merops orientalis
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Indian bee eater, Merops orientalis
Indian bee eater, Merops orientalis.. Handcolored copperplate engraving from The Naturalists Pocket Magazine, Harrison, London, 1800
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14212769
© Florilegius / Mary Evans
Georgeedwards Naturalistspocketmagazine
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Animals
> Birds
> Coraciiformes
> Bee Eaters
> Related Images
> Animals
> Mammals
> Cricetidae
> Orientalis
> Arts
> Literature
> Magazines
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Related Images
EDITORS COMMENTS
This stunning handcolored copperplate engraving depicts the Indian Bee-eater, Merops orientalis, a vibrant and captivating bird native to the Indian subcontinent. The Indian Bee-eater is a large, slender bird with a distinctive long decurved beak, which it uses to catch insects in flight. The engraving, published in The Naturalist's Pocket Magazine in Harrison, London, around the year 1800, is a testament to the rich history of zoological illustration. The intricate details of the Indian Bee-eater's plumage are beautifully captured in this illustration. The bird is depicted with its bright green back, rufous underparts, and blue-green wings, adorned with white spots. The artist has also captured the subtle gradations of color on the bird's face, from the orange-red crown to the darker hue around the eyes. The engraving process, which involved etching a design onto a copper plate and then printing it onto paper, allowed for a high level of detail and precision. The Indian Bee-eater is a popular subject in ornithological illustration due to its striking appearance and interesting behavior. It is known to perch on open ground or low branches and wait for insects to fly by before swooping down to catch them in mid-air. The bird's diet consists mainly of insects, especially bees and wasps, which it catches in the air or on the ground. This historical illustration not only showcases the natural beauty of the Indian Bee-eater but also provides a glimpse into the rich history of zoological illustration. The intricate details and vibrant colors of this engraving continue to captivate viewers even today, making it a valuable addition to any collection of natural history art.
MADE IN AUSTRALIA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.