Ivory-billed Woodpecker

Ivory-billed Woodpecker

Robert Havell Jr.

1829

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From the collection of National Gallery of Art

About this work

This image shows three woodpeckers perched on gnarled tree branches. The birds have bold black-and-white feathers, with one standing out for its bright red crest. The bark looks rough and covered in tiny details like moss and lichen. The background is mostly plain, keeping the focus on the birds and branches. The artist used fine lines and shading to make the feathers look crisp. The red crest on the largest bird pops against the muted colors around it. Next, look up engraving to see how artists like Havell created these precise lines.

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