The Towhe Bird (Fringilla erythrophthalma)

The Towhe Bird (Fringilla erythrophthalma)

Mark Catesby

1754

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

About this work

This image shows two birds perched on large green leaves. One bird is mostly black with a bright orange chest and red eye, while the other is brown and speckled. The leaves are detailed with veins and stems, and the background is plain, letting the birds and leaves stand out. The birds are labeled as *The Tow-he Bird* and *The Cow-pen Bird*, suggesting this was meant as a scientific record. The artist used careful coloring to show each feather and leaf texture. Look up etching to see how artists like this made precise prints by hand.

More by Mark Catesby

Artifact World Gallery — 100,000 artworks Get the app