Cissa Venatoria by John Gould Canvas Print

Somewhere between John Gould and Victorian natural history illustration, this bird study refuses to behave. Two green magpies perch among tangled leaves and white trumpet flowers, with a soft blue partner watching from above. It brings warmth and a little wildness to a quiet room without dominating it. Hang it in a study, hallway or reading corner, at eye level above a low sideboard or beside a bookshelf. It pairs well with warm oak or walnut furniture, aged leather, linen and stoneware in earthy greens and creams. Avoid crowding it with other loud botanical prints or bright saturated colour it wants a calm backdrop to do its work.

On a mid-morning afternoon, the fresh green looks almost illegally fresh. Two magpies sit among broad leaves and white trumpet flowers, with soft red eyes and warm rust tail feathers picking up the light. It brings a slow, curious feel to a room the sort of piece that rewards a second look. Hang it in a study, hallway or quiet reading corner where a natural history print can lead the wall. It sits comfortably beside oak or walnut furniture, linen upholstery, aged leather and warm brass. Skip pairing it with cool minimal white rooms or high-gloss modern finishes, where the soft historic tone will feel a little marooned. Stretched on a wooden frame with a soft matte finish, ready to hang.