Zenaida Dove

Zenaida Dove

Robert Havell Jr.

1833

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

About this work

This picture shows two doves perched on a branch with green leaves and flowers. One dove is flying nearby, its wings spread wide. The colors are bright—green leaves, red and gray feathers, and soft white flowers. The background is plain, so the birds and plants stand out clearly. The artist used fine lines and shading to make the feathers look real. The flowers add a touch of nature’s detail, almost like a snapshot of a quiet moment. Check out the technique: engraving, cross-hatching to see how artists create texture with just lines.

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