Plate 17 1875 - 1888

This lithograph, *Plate 17*, is part of a series of bird illustrations created by William Matthew Hart between 1875 and 1888. The artwork, currently housed at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, depicts two *Astrapias* birds, one perched on a branch and the other partially obscured behind it, showcasing their vibrant plumage. The meticulous detail and realistic rendering of the birds' feathers and the surrounding foliage are hallmarks of Hart's style, making this a fine example of 19th-century ornithological art.