Birds (1) by Adolphe Millot, 1890 - Fowl, Flamingo, Seabirds, Flightless Birds
Birds (1) by Adolphe Millot is a captivating Victorian era zoological illustration created in 1890, which exquisitely details a wide array of bird species. This artwork was originally published in the famed French encyclopedia, "Le Larousse pour tous: nouveau dictionnaire encyclopédique". Adolphe Philippe Millot was not only a distinguished French artist – a painter, lithographer, and member of the Salon des Artistes Francaise – but also a renowned entomologist. This remarkable piece stands out for its scientific accuracy and rich artistry, presenting zoologically correct portrayals of numerous bird species, with each specimen distinctly labeled in elegant French script.
The print offered here is a meticulously reproduced fine art print, available on either luxuriously thick, acid-free archival paper or high-quality artist’s cotton canvas. Both options capture every delicate line and subdued shade of the original. Offered in a range of sizes and customizable with optional framing, this print is hand-finished in our studio. Personalization and various display options are available through The Unique Maps Co., allowing you to match the print perfectly with your interior décor or to mark a special memory.
Adolphe Millot held an eminent position as the senior illustrator at the Muséum national d'histoire naturelle in Paris and was highly respected within the Société entomologique de France. Millot’s brilliance lay in bridging the gap between natural history and classical artistry. His contribution to "Le Larousse pour tous" helped educate generations in the intricate wonders of the natural world.
In Birds (1), Millot’s artistry is on full display. The following species can be seen:
Top section:
- Aigle (Eagle)
- Vautour (Vulture)
- Condor (Condor)
- Milan (Kite)
- Faucon (Falcon)
- Autour (Goshawk)
- Épervier (Sparrowhawk)
- Hibou (Owl)
- Chouette (Owl)
- Ara (Macaw)
- Perroquet (Parrot)
- Perruche (Parakeet)
- Toucan (Toucan)
- Calao (Hornbill)
- Pic (Woodpecker)
- Martin-pêcheur (Kingfisher)
- Guêpier (Bee-eater)
- Hirondelle (Swallow)
Middle section:
- Paon (Peacock)
- Faisan (Pheasant)
- Coq domestique (Domestic Rooster)
- Pintade (Guineafowl)
- Perdrix (Partridge)
- Caille (Quail)
- Pigeon (Pigeon)
- Tourterelle (Turtledove)
- Grue (Crane)
- Cigogne (Stork)
- Héron (Heron)
- Ibis (Ibis)
- Spatule (Spoonbill)
- Flamant (Flamingo)
- Pélican (Pelican)
- Cormoran (Cormorant)
- Frégate (Frigatebird)
- Mouette (Seagull)
- Goéland (Gull)
- Pingouin (Penguin)
Bottom section:
- Autruche (Ostrich)
- Casoar (Cassowary)
- Émeu (Emu)
- Nandou (Rhea)
- Kiwi (Kiwi)
...and many more – every avian inhabitant subtly captured in its unique stance.
The artist's mastery of color elevates the scientific element, with the illustration dominated by earthy browns, creamy whites, soft greys, and golden yellows. Bright splashes of indigo, red, emerald green, and azure blue accentuate the feathers, making each bird vivid yet true to life. The delicately applied watercolor technique, paired with detailed linework, results in a display that has both scientific integrity and the poetic atmosphere characteristic of 19th-century natural illustration. This print is ideal for ornithologists, vintage art collectors, and anyone captivated by natural history or seeking a timeless statement piece for their space.
Perfectly suited as a gift for bird lovers, historians, nature enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates classic illustration, this finely reproduced print makes an inspired choice for events such as Christmas, Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, or a thoughtful housewarming. Its universal appeal and storied artistry will grace any study, library, lounge, or children’s bedroom with wonder and sophistication.
If you're not sure what size to order, or you're looking for a custom order of some kind – a different size, a different colour, a special frame – then please contact me. I usually respond within a few minutes.
You can see an example of my fine art personalisation service in the fifth image. Zoom in and take a look. My personalised artwork is always very well received. Take a look at more examples of personalisation.
You can also choose to age your art print to make it look older. This is popular amongst my customers who want their artwork to look like an older, antique print. You can see an example of ageing in the sixth product image, or go ahead and check out lots of examples of other aged artwork.
The model in the listing images is holding the 24x36in (60x90cm) version of this art print.
I can print and frame this beautiful piece of art at sizes up to 3 metres (10ft). If you are looking for a size or framing option that isn't available online, please get in touch.
This artwork is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. My standard frames come in six colours (black, dark brown, dark grey, antique gold, oak and white), and custom framing is available for an additional charge. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.