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The Corn Snake (Coluber fulvius?), by Mark Catesby, ink, 1737

The Corn Snake (Coluber fulvius?)

Mark Catesby

1737

ink

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Dominant colour

Overview

The Corn Snake (Coluber fulvius?) is a 1737 ink by Mark Catesby, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?
Mark Catesby
When & what style?
1737 · Baroque
Where can I see it?
National Gallery of Art

About this work

This painting depicts a striking snake coiled around a plant, its body a vibrant mix of red, white, and brown hues. The snake's scales are intricately detailed, and its eyes seem to gaze directly at the viewer. The plant, with its long green leaves, provides a natural backdrop for the snake's sinuous form. The artist's use of color and texture brings the scene to life, creating a sense of movement and energy. The snake's body appears to twist and turn, as if it might slither off the page at any moment. For more works like this, explore the art of Catesby, Mark.

About the artist

Portrait of Mark Catesby
Artist

Mark Catesby

Mark Catesby (24 March 1683 – 23 December 1749) was an English naturalist who studied the flora and fauna of the New World.

See the richer artist page

More by Mark Catesby

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