Plate 25, from "Histoire naturelle des perroquets" 1801 - 1806

This hand-colored etching from François Levaillant's "Histoire naturelle des perroquets" depicts a "Roller à long brins d'Afrique," or African Long-tailed Roller. Created between 1801 and 1806, the work showcases Levaillant's meticulous attention to detail and scientific accuracy, as evident in the bird's vibrant blue and brown plumage and long tail feathers. The print exemplifies the popular ornithological studies of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, which combined scientific observation with artistic flair. This particular plate, now housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, provides a glimpse into the world of natural history as it was understood and appreciated by Levaillant and his contemporaries.