Bring the luminous scarlet brilliance, tropical warmth, and refined botanical precision of 19th-century French natural history art into your living space with this exceptional fine art poster. Created by celebrated French naturalist and painter Jean-Théodore Descourtilz, this magnificent plate—titled Ramphocèle Scarlatte mâle, sur un Rameau de Pitangas—was published in Paris in 1834 for his landmark masterwork Oiseaux brillans et remarquables du Brésil.

Depicting a striking male Brazilian Tanager (Ramphocèle Scarlatte / Ramphocelus bresilius) perched gracefully on a fruiting Pitanga branch (Eugenia uniflora / Surinam cherry), the songbird showcases intense crimson plumage contrasted against jet-black wings, a dark tail, and a silvery bill base. The accompanying botanical study features delicate pale blossoms alongside ribbed Pitanga cherries ranging from tender green and orange to ripe deep red. Meticulously restored against a naturally aged cream paper backdrop with authentic French copperplate cursive reading “Ramphocèle Scarlatte mâle, sur un Rameau de Pitangas”, this print provides a captivating, vibrant focal point for modern walls.

The History: Jean-Théodore Descourtilz (c. 1796–1855) was a French naturalist, ornithologist, and painter who spent years documenting South America’s exotic flora and fauna for the National Museum in Rio de Janeiro. Published in 1834, Oiseaux brillans et remarquables du Brésil (Brilliant and Remarkable Birds of Brazil) is widely celebrated as one of the rarest and most magnificent hand-colored bird folios ever created. Descourtilz revolutionized scientific illustration by depicting species in active, living habitats alongside their native host plants and fruits rather than in isolated studio poses. Today, original hand-colored lithographs from Descourtilz’s Brazilian expeditions are preserved in world-class museum archives and natural history collections as celebrated treasures of 19th-century illustration.

The Aesthetic: A masterclass in color harmony, natural balance, and organic texture, this composition pairs the intense scarlet-red body of the tanager with the rich crimson tones of the hanging Pitanga cherries. Deep emerald and lime-green leaves frame the bird’s graceful posture, while delicate pale lavender-white flowers offer a soft, elegant counterpoint. Set against an open, neutral cream backdrop with authentic period calligraphy, this high-contrast print introduces an air of French neoclassicism, natural wonder, and serene biophilic warmth to any interior.

It is an ideal statement piece for:

Birdwatchers, tropical fruit gardeners, botanists, ornithologists, and collectors of antique French natural history lithographs.
Sun-drenched living rooms, private libraries, quiet home offices, dining alcoves, entryways, or as a radiant centerpiece on a botanical gallery wall.
Biophilic, tropical modern, Japandi, French provincial, modern farmhouse, or transitional interior design styles that value rich natural colors and historic fine art.

Product Details

Artist: Jean-Théodore Descourtilz (French, c. 1796–1855)
Title: Ramphocèle Scarlatte mâle sur un Rameau de Pitangas (Oiseaux brillans et remarquables du Brésil)
Subject: Antique French Natural History Lithograph, Scarlet Tanager & Pitanga Branch Study
Original Year: 1834
Style: 19th-Century French Natural History / Vintage Tropical Fine Art

Museum-Quality Vintage Prints

Our vintage posters are made to order using premium Giclée printing techniques. Every piece is printed on thick, heavyweight fine art paper (200gsm) with a smooth, completely matte finish.

We specifically source an acid-free, natural-toned paper that perfectly recreates the warmth and authentic character of original mid-century lithographs. Unlike standard glossy posters, our premium matte finish ensures there is zero glare when your artwork is framed behind glass, resulting in a rich, museum-quality display. Combined with long-lasting, UV-resistant pigment inks, your print is designed to remain vibrant for generations.