Gold-winged Woodpecker
1828
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From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1828
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This picture shows four woodpeckers perched on and around a rough tree trunk. The birds have bright red patches on their heads, speckled backs, and one has its wings spread wide. The tree looks old with peeling bark and a few green mossy bits clinging to it. The artist used careful lines and shading to show the birds’ feathers and the tree’s texture. This kind of detail was common in scientific illustrations from the time. Next, check out engraving to see how artists like this carved images into metal plates.
