A Malacca Crossbeak
1773
watercolor
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
1773
watercolor
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
This is a simple watercolor of a bird standing on a faintly drawn branch. The bird has a gray head, a white patch on its neck, and brown wings and body. Its beak is dark, and its legs are lightly sketched in. The artist focused on the bird’s shape and colors rather than fine details. This style was common in early nature studies. Look up Bewick to see more of his detailed animal drawings.
