Hawk and Sparrows

Hawk and Sparrows

Adriaen Collaert

1600

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

About this work

This engraving shows three birds perched on a branch. The largest one, a hawk, sits in the middle with sharp eyes and detailed feathers. Behind it, a small town with buildings and a river stretches into the distance, while the sky is lightly etched with clouds. Two smaller birds, likely sparrows, flank the hawk on either side, facing forward. The artist used fine lines to create texture, especially in the birds’ feathers and the landscape. The names *Accipiter* (hawk) and *Avicula* (sparrow) are written above each bird, hinting at a focus on nature and science. Next, look up engraving to see how artists like this carved detailed images into metal plates.

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