There is nothing not to love about summer tanager birds. They are the only all red bird in North America. They take the sting out of summer bug season by eating wasps and bees. A grouping of them is called a season. And, while most females are all yellow, some have morphed into shades of red proving they can be viewed as equals when compared to the guys in their group. 

{HISTORY}

This vintage summer tanager bird print bookplate was rescued from a 1950 book of bird prints destined for destruction. Highly detailed and very colorful it is from a painting by Italian transplant turned Southern artist, Athos Menaboni (1895-1990). Athos, along with his wife Sara, was 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. 

 {SPECIAL FEATURES}

- Includes a complimentary array the following colors: emerald green, mint green, gold, melon, cranberry red, brown and grey

- In addition to the colorful couple, this bookplate also includes a naturalist's description of tanager characteristics on the reverse side

- Ultra crisp and clear lines

- Bold, bright colors

{CONDITION}

Clean and clear of spots or foxing this print is in great condition. Slight yellowing around the edges produces a lovely natural vignette that draws your eye towards the birds.

{SIZE}

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

{STYLE IDEA} 

Every time we look at this print we want to tuck it behind one of those gorgeous velvet emerald green sofas that are so trendy right now.  All the colors match and they shading of the green leaves is ideally suited for a shimmery velvet companion. If you have a couch like that, then these flying birdies are just for you!