Plate 19: Two Great Egrets with Green Breeding Masks
1594
gouache
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1594
gouache
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This painting shows two great egrets standing near a body of water. The bird on the left is taller and has its head turned to the right. The other egret is bent down, with its beak in the water. Both birds have long necks and legs. They are painted in shades of gray, with touches of green and yellow. The background is a light beige color, with some grass and plants around the birds. The painting is done in watercolor and gold paint on parchment. It's a detailed and colorful depiction of these birds in their natural habitat. The artist has paid close attention to the textures and colors of the birds' feathers and the surrounding environment. If you're interested in learning more about this style of painting, you might want to look into the Renaissance movement.
