Great Tit and Starling

Great Tit and Starling

Adriaen Collaert

1600

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

About this work

This engraving shows two birds perched on a branch. One is small and round, labeled *Parus Silvaticus*, while the other is larger, labeled *Sturmvs*. Behind them, a tiny village sits at the base of jagged mountains, with winding roads and a few buildings. The artist used fine lines to create texture—notice how the feathers and leaves look almost three-dimensional. The background is packed with tiny details, like trees and hills, making the scene feel alive. Next, check out engraving to see how artists like this carved images into metal.

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