Boat-tailed Grackle
1834
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From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1834
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This picture shows two birds perched on branches. One has dark blue feathers and a shiny black beak, while the other is brown with a long tail. Both sit among green leaves and acorns, with roots tangled in the dirt below. The artist used careful lines and shading to make the feathers look real. The name at the bottom calls the birds "Boat-tailed Grackle," and the whole scene feels detailed and precise. Next, check out how engraving works to see how artists like this made such sharp images.
