Turkey Buzzard
1832
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1832
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This image shows two turkey buzzards perched on a bare branch. The bird on top has a dark, scaly body, a red face, and sharp yellow eyes. Its wings are spread wide, showing off detailed feathers. Below it, another buzzard faces the viewer, its feathers a mix of dark and light brown. Notice how the artist used fine lines to create texture in the feathers and bark. This was a common way to add detail in older prints. Want to see more like this? Look up engraving.