Tyrant Flycatcher

Tyrant Flycatcher

Robert Havell Jr.

1830

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From the collection of National Gallery of Art

About this work

This image shows two birds perched on a branch with broad leaves. The bird on top is gray and white, while the one below is mostly black with a bright red patch on its head. Both birds face slightly different directions, and the branch they’re on has small green leaves and buds. The artist used fine lines and shading to make the feathers look real. The colors are soft but precise, especially the red on the lower bird’s head. Next, look up engraving to see how artists like this one created detailed prints.

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