Description

The Resplendent Quetzal was revered by both the Aztec and Mayan peoples for its vibrantly-colored feathers. So much so that the birds were illegal to kill, but the tailfeathers were used as a form of currency.

Today, the Quetzal is a symbol of independence for the people of Guatemala because it couldn’t be kept in captivity and because of the legend of Tecun Uman, a Mayan prince and great warrior. Legend has it that he was accompanied into battle with the conquistador Pedro De alvarado by a Quetzal. He managed to hit Alvarado’s horse with the first shot from his arrow, but Alvarado got another horse and charged Uman in the chest. As he lay dying, his Quetzal friend flew down to sit on his chest and bathe in the wound. This is why it has a red breast. Legend also has it that they used to have a lovely song, but fell silent when the Spanish came and will only sing again when the land is free.

The original Resplendent Quetzal painting has been featured at the PARC Gallery in Plymouth and the Gutman Gallery in Ann Arbor. The potent symbolism and bright colors come through clearly in this art print and deliver a powerful statement for any room.

• Paper thickness: 10.3 mil • Paper weight: 189 g/m² • Opacity: 94% • ISO brightness: 104% • Paper is sourced from Japan