The Purple Martin (Hirundo purpurea)
1737
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1737
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
A black bird with a sharp beak perches on a wooden fence rail. Ivy climbs the post, its green leaves and red berries adding color. The fence is simple, made of rough wood, and the background is a plain, light yellow. This bird is called a Purple Martin, though it looks dark here. The artist used careful lines and colors to show every detail. Next, look up etching to see how this print was made.
