Pinnated Grous, Blue-green Warbler, and Nashville Warbler
1811
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From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1811
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This image shows three birds drawn with careful detail. A large grouse with speckled feathers stands in the center, its bright yellow eye standing out. Above it, two smaller birds perch—one yellow and gray, the other blue and white. The background is simple, with a few rocks and water below. The grouse’s feathers are marked with tiny lines, giving them texture. The smaller birds look almost like they’re flying near it. This style was used to study and record nature closely. Next, look up etching to see how artists like this made precise prints.
