Dead Bird
1867
graphite
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1867
graphite
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Dead Bird is a 1867 graphite by Robert Bolling Brandegee, a Impressionism work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This painting shows a single dead bird lying on its side, its feathers a mix of yellow, brown, and blue. Its head is turned slightly, and its beak is open. Around it on the ground are a few loose feathers and a small nest of twigs. The artist used soft watercolor washes to show the bird’s feathers in detail. The dark background makes the colors pop, keeping your eye on the bird. Want to see how artists used light and color this way? Look up watercolor glazing.
