About this sheet
Macaw, Cockatoo & Amazon Parrots, Brodtmann Hand-Colored Lithograph, 1816
This vibrant original hand-colored lithograph depicts four celebrated parrots from the tropical regions of the Americas and Australasia, rendered with the precision and elegance characteristic of early nineteenth-century natural history illustration. The plate combines striking coloration with scientific observation, making it one of the most visually appealing ornithological subjects from Karl Joseph Brodtmann's renowned natural history series.
Published in Lindau in 1816 as part of the *Naturhistorische Bilder-Gallerie aus dem Thierreiche*, the print presents four species identified in the original German and Latin captions. Dominating the composition is a magnificent Scarlet Macaw (*Psittacus macao*), shown with brilliant scarlet plumage accented by vivid blue and golden-yellow wing feathers. Its exceptionally long tail and bold coloration make it the visual centerpiece of the sheet.
At upper right appears the White Cockatoo (*Psittacus cristatus*), recognizable by its elegant crest and snowy plumage. Below left is the Yellow Brazilian Parrot (*Psittacus garouba*), now known as the Golden Parakeet or Golden Conure, one of South America's most spectacular parrots. Completing the composition is an Amazon Parrot, depicted in shades of emerald green with subtle blue and yellow highlights.
Karl Joseph Brodtmann (1787–1862) was among the foremost lithographic artists of the early nineteenth century. His works are admired for their scientific accuracy, refined draftsmanship, and delicate hand coloring. Produced during the infancy of lithographic printing, these illustrations represent an important period in the development of zoological and ornithological publishing.
Parrots have long fascinated collectors and naturalists for their intelligence, longevity, and extraordinary plumage. During the age of exploration, such exotic birds became symbols of distant tropical lands, and illustrated works like this played a vital role in introducing them to European audiences.
Today, Brodtmann's ornithological lithographs remain highly sought after by collectors of bird prints, tropical natural history, and decorative antique artwork. The brilliant colors and iconic species represented on this sheet make it particularly desirable as both a scientific illustration and an eye-catching decorative piece.
Keywords: Scarlet Macaw, Macaw, Cockatoo, White Cockatoo, Amazon Parrot, Golden Parakeet, Golden Conure, Tropical Birds, Exotic Birds, Parrots, Psittacus Macao, Psittacus Cristatus, Psittacus Garouba, Ornithology, Bird Print, Karl Joseph Brodtmann, Hand-Colored Lithograph, Natural History, Tropical Wildlife, Antique Bird Print, Early Lithography, Lindau 1816.
Condition report:
Good condition considering age. Light age toning, occasional foxing, and minor handling wear consistent with a print more than 200 years old. Original hand coloring remains exceptionally bright and attractive. Please review photographs carefully.
Framing tips:
This print displays beautifully in a dark walnut, ebonized, or black-gilt frame with an ivory museum mat and a fine gold fillet. The vivid tropical colors stand out dramatically against neutral matting and make an excellent focal point in both traditional and contemporary interiors.
Technique: Hand-colored lithograph
Maker: Karl Joseph Brodtmann, Switzerland, published in Lindau, 1816.
