The Semipalmated Plover - Charadrius Semipalmatus - is the most common of the plover shore birds.  In the 19th century they faced severe depletion due to hunting, but now enjoy comfortable status on the conservation list. Here in the Vintage Kitchen, we like to think of them as the comedians of the sea as they have this cute way of banding together and scurrying along the ocean's edge and then suddenly stopping and then scurrying along again and then stopping.  

{HISTORY}

This vintage plover bird print bookplate is taken from a 1950 book of bird prints painted by Italian transplant turned Southern artist, Athos Menaboni (1895-1990). Athos, along with his wife Sara were passionate about the natural wildlife surrounding their adopted city of Atlanta, GA. In particular they were captivated by the numerous array of colorful and exotic birds that passed through the Southern region of the U.S. Setting out to record their color and fine feather detailing in paints and drawings, Athos captured pairs of birds in their natural settings, while Sara contributed naturalist style writing about their own observations of living among the wildlife in the sub-tropical garden paradise that is Atlanta. Their words and images were compiled in a highly acclaimed book titled Menaboni's Birds in 1950 which was lauded for its exquisite detailing and brightly colored renderings of some of the American South's most beautiful birds. This plover print, salvaged from the book, captures the gorgeous free spirit and comical character that gives joy-filled personality to one of the cutest shore birds in North America. 

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

- Includes a complimentary array the following colors: brown, black, ivory, cantaloupe, mint, plum, beige, grey and peach.

- In addition to the handsome couple, this bookplate also includes a series of detailed oyster shells and a naturalist's description of plover characteristics on the reverse side

- Ultra crisp and clear lines

{CONDITION}

Clean and clear of spots or foxing this print is in great condition. There is a slight, small tear on edge (less than 1/8th of an inch long which you would never see if you had it framed. Along that same edge is also minor creasing due to years stored loose inside the book. 

{SIZE}

Print measures 8.75" inches (width) x 12" inches (length)

{STYLE IDEA} 

Similiar to colors found in antique ironstone, jadeite, and pale marble, this print has the ability to coordinate with many different styles of kitchen aesthetic from beach cottage to weathered farmhouse to urban minimalist.