Trogon variegatus Purple-breasted Trogon . From the Monograph of the Trogonidae or Family of Trogons, First Edition

by John Gould

$2,500 · Offered by Donald A. Heald Rare Books

First edition

A pattern plate for Gould’s Monograph of the Trogonidae, this hand-coloured plate for the Purple-breasted Trogon bears manuscript colouring instructions that record its practical use in the studio as a guide for finishing the edition. The composition presents three Purple-breasted Trogons perched among foliage, the contrast between the dark head, pale breast, and red underparts carefully articulated to establish tonal relationships across the figure. Gould identifies

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