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Marshmallow and purple honeycreeper
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Marshmallow and purple honeycreeper
Marshmallow, Althaea officinalis 1, and purple honeycreeper, Cyanerpes caeruleus 2. Guimauve, Guitguit. Handcoloured steel engraving by Pedretti after an illustration by A. Carie Baron from Felix-Edouard Guerin-Menevilles Dictionnaire Pittoresque d Histoire Naturelle (Picturesque Dictionary of Natural History), Paris, 1834-39
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Media ID 23180412
© Florilegius/Mary Evans
Althaea Baron Caeruleus Carie Dhistoire Dictionary Dictionnaire Felix Edouard Guerin Meneville Honeycreeper Marshmallow Naturelle Officinalis Ornithology Pedretti Pittoresque Purple Cyanerpes
EDITORS COMMENTS
This exquisite hand-colored steel engraving, entitled "Marshmallow and Purple Honeycreeper," is an enchanting illustration from the "Picturesque Dictionary of Natural History" by Felix-Edouard Guerin-Meneville, published in Paris between 1834 and 1839. The illustration, created by A. Carie Baron and masterfully engraved by Pedretti, showcases two distinct yet harmoniously paired subjects: the marshmallow plant (Althaea officinalis) and the purple honeycreeper, also known as the Guiana or Guit-guit (Cyanerpes caeruleus). The marshmallow plant, depicted in the foreground, is shown in its full glory, with its velvety pink flowers unfurling from the stem and its soft, fuzzy leaves. The plant's name, "marshmallow," is derived from the Arabic word "mallow," which means "thick," a fitting description for the mucilaginous substance that exudes from the plant's roots when they are steeped in water. This substance was historically used for medicinal purposes, particularly for soothing sore throats and coughs. In the background, the vibrant purple honeycreeper, a native of Central and South America, perches gracefully on a branch. With its iridescent plumage and distinctive crest, this small bird is a captivating sight. The honeycreeper's diet consists primarily of nectar, making it an essential pollinator in its natural habitat. The intricate details of the marshmallow plant and the honeycreeper are beautifully rendered in this hand-colored steel engraving, making it a stunning addition to any collection of natural history or ornithology art. The illustration is a testament to the artistry and scientific precision of the time, offering a glimpse into the natural world and the beauty of its inhabitants.
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