Martin Johnson Heade 1819-1904

Private Collection, Germany, circa 1960
Acquired by the present owner from the above

Very good condition; under UV: some small dots of inpainting to address frame abrasion, a few pin dots of inpainting in sky, otherwise fine.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Theodore E. Stebbins, Jr., who has kindly examined this work and confirmed its authenticity, writes "The picture relates closely to the Gems of Brazil, the series of hummingbird studies that Heade painted in Brazil and in London in 1863-65.  This work is a variant of the painting called Two Green Breasted Hummingbirds (Private Collection) that was reproduced by Heade in his chromolithograph Brazilian Hummingbirds II.  [This] picture, like the ones I have just mentioned, depicts a male and female pair of racket-tailed coquettes, a species the artist simply called 'racket-tails.'  These birds are native to Rio and northern Brazil."