Rutledge, W. “Shaft-Tailed Wydah, Paradise Wydah, Yellow Backed Wydah"

W. Rutledge. “Shaft-Tailed Wydah, Paradise Wydah, Yellow Backed Wydah.” From Cassell’s Canaries and Cage Birds. 

London: Cassell, Petter, & Galpin, ca. 1880.  Quarto.  Chromolithograph by Vincent Brooks Day & Son.  Excellent condition.

From a delightful series of ‘portraits’ of cage birds, including canaries, parakeets, parrots, and various song birds.  The last part of the nineteenth century was the time when wonderful chromolithographs were being produced in England and the United States, and these prints are excellent examples of the process.  The cheerful and winsome birds are appropriately displayed with their fine plumage and vivid colors.  They perch proudly on trees or in cages, and the combination of attractive subjects and bright color make for a series of truly charming prints.