Mexican school; 19th century.

Mexican school; 19th century.
“Series of nine compositions featuring birds.”
Pen, ink, and gouache on paper.
Measurements: 14 x 14 cm (smallest); 21 x 32 cm (largest).
A series of nine avian compositions created using plumería, an artistic form with deep historical roots that distinguishes Mexico within the artistic traditions of the Americas. The works depict various species of exotic and fantastical birds created through the careful application of natural feathers onto paper supports, complemented by details drawn in ink and printed or engraved elements.
The plumería technique has pre-Hispanic origins. Among Mesoamerican peoples, especially the Mexicas, the feathers of quetzals, macaws, herons, and other birds with colorful plumage were materials of great symbolic and ceremonial value. The amantecas, artisans specialized in featherwork, crafted headdresses, shields, banners, and ritual objects intended for the political and religious elites.
After the Spanish conquest, this tradition did not disappear; on the contrary, it adapted to new European artistic models. During the 16th through 18th centuries, workshops in New Spain produced religious paintings, portraits, and devotional scenes made with feathers, blending indigenous techniques with Western compositions. By the 19th century, featherwork underwent a transformation toward smaller, more commercial formats, intended both for collectors and for the market of domestic and foreign travelers interested in Mexico’s natural and cultural riches.