This is a stunning large vintage mid-century gold foil Dufex style art print by the renowned British wildlife artist and ornithological illustrator, Rena Fennessy. Signed beautifully in the plate as "Rêna", this striking piece seamlessly blends botanical precision with shimmering metallic imagary. Framed in its original large glossy black lacquered frame.
This captivating scene features a pair of striking male East African Scarlet-chested Sunbirds navigating a vibrant cluster of tropical blooms alongside active bees and fluttering butterflies. Sunbirds are the Old World ecological equivalents to hummingbirds, and Fennessy—who spent decades meticulously illustrating field guides in Kenya—perfectly captures their long, down-curved nectar bills and fiery plumage.
Printed on heavy metallic foil using a high-relief hand-etched embossing technique; popularized by publishers like F.J. Warren / Dufex in the 1970s, the artwork features an incredible multi-dimensional shimmer. As ambient light hits the iridescent surface from different angles throughout the day, the golden ground brilliantly brings the scene to life.
In VERY GOOD vintage condition, no damage to the glass but with some points to note: there are some ripples in the backing foil and a couple of chips to the black lacquered frame. Nonetheless this remains a stunning and truly delightful image. Please see all the photos and remember it is around 50 years old, pre-owned and pre-loved.
Approx measurements:
Height - 59 cm / 23¼ in
Width - 49 cm / 19¼ in
Your large framed Dufex picture will be very well packed and sent FREE from France to most UK and European addresses