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Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus), Havell plate no. 379
Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus), Havell plate no. 379
Artist/Maker (1785 – 1851)
Other Artist (1796 - 1863)

Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus), Havell plate no. 379

1836-1837
Place madeCharleston, South Carolina, United States, North America
Watercolor, graphite, black ink, and gouache with touches of pastel and selective glazing on paper, laid on card
Sheet (paper): 21 1/8 × 15 15/16 in. (53.7 × 40.5 cm)
Mat: 35 x 27 in. (88.9 x 68.6 cm)
Purchased for the Society by public subscription from Mrs. John J. Audubon
1863.17.379
The background flora has been identified as Spider flower (Cleome houtteana); Nest painted by Maria Martin.
DescriptionMales, above; females, below.
InscribedInscribed at lower left in graphite: "Ruff-necked Humming-bird / Trochilus rufus. Latham / No 77 / Plate 374"; at lower center: "Ruffed / Nootka Sound [crossed out] Humming Bird -- 1. 2. Males 3 F. & nest. -- / Trochilus rufus -- / Mr Havell will please to place the lower portion of the nest at point a marked abo[ve, cut] / and take off the leaf now there -- this will make the plate less, and for a bet[ter, cut] / calm position. / Victor must look in Swainson & Richardson's Fauna borealis -- for the name both English & Latin given to this bird, and / having it engraved -- I have to…ascertain[?] it. --"; at lower left of center below nest: "a"; at lower right in brown ink: "Plant / Cleome heptap[cut]"
ClassificationsDRAWINGS
Collections
  • Audubon's Watercolors for The Birds of America