Hawk Owl
1837
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1837
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This owl perches on a branch with one foot while another owl sits below, wings slightly spread. Both have striped feathers, round yellow eyes, and sharp talons. The background is plain, letting the birds stand out in soft browns and whites. The artist used fine lines to show every feather and texture. This kind of careful detail was common in scientific illustrations of the time. Next, look up engraving to see how artists like this made precise prints.