Palaeornis Calthropae — John Gould

This nineteenth-century ornithological plate depicts a pair of Palaeornis calthropae, a Ceylon parakeet now classified as Psittacula calthropae. The two birds perch closely among twisting branches and broad leaves, creating a compact composition dominated by layered greens, touches of yellow, and vivid blue.

The larger bird is distinguished by its blue-gray head and throat, curved dark bill, richly patterned wings, and long blue-and-yellow tail. Its companion is rendered in softer green with a warm red bill. Loose gray, mauve, and earthy washes behind the foliage provide subtle depth, while the surrounding cream paper preserves the openness characteristic of historic natural-history plates. Historically known as Mrs. Layard’s Parakeet, the species is native to Ceylon, now Sri Lanka.

Artwork Details

• Artist/Creator: John Gould
• Title: Palaeornis Calthropae
• Original title: Palæornis Calthropae
• Series: The Birds of Asia
• Date: 19th century
• Period: Victorian era
• Place of Origin: London, United Kingdom
• Medium: Color ornithological illustration

Framed Print Details

• Fine art printing: Professional 12-color fine art printing technology produces vivid, accurate colors with strong tonal depth and significantly greater nuance than standard 4-color inkjet printing.
• Paper: Smooth premium matte paper with a clean, glare-free finish.
• Paper weight: 200 gsm (80 lb).
• Paper thickness: 0.26 mm (10.3 mils).
• Frame material: Durable pine wood.
• Frame dimensions: Approximately 20 mm (0.79 in) deep and 10–14 mm (0.4–0.6 in) wide.
• Protection: Shatterproof plexiglass protects the print while keeping the framed artwork lightweight.
• Ready to hang: A hanging kit is included, allowing the framed print to be mounted directly on the wall.
• Available sizes: Offered in a range of sizes to suit different spaces.
• Materials: Printed using FSC-certified paper and wood where available.
• Production: Each framed print is produced to order through a trusted international network of professional print studios.
• Shipping: Worldwide shipping is available.
• Made to order: There is no minimum order quantity. Each piece is printed and assembled on demand, reducing unnecessary stock and waste.

Exact frame dimensions, component availability, and production specifications may vary slightly depending on the selected size and destination.