1737
ink
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
The Hooping Crane (Ardea Americana) is a 1737 ink by Mark Catesby, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This drawing shows a bird with a long neck and legs, standing still. Its head is tucked under a wing, and it’s holding a branch with green leaves and dark berries in its beak. The colors are soft—light browns, greens, and a pale background. The bird’s name is *Grus Americana Alba*, which means it’s a type of crane. The artist used careful lines and added color by hand. Next, look up etching to see how artists like this made detailed prints.
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
