Great Esquimaux Curlew

About this work

This bird stands tall on a rocky shore, its long neck arched back and long bill pointing up. The feathers are a mix of brown and white, with a dark belly band. Tall green plants sway behind it, and the water’s edge is just below its feet. The artist used fine lines to show the bird’s feathers in detail, almost like stitching. This kind of print was made by etching and coloring by hand. Next, look up engraving to see how artists like this made prints before photography.