Stellar's Jay, Lapland Longspur and Female
1810
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1810
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This print shows three birds perched on a branch and ground. The biggest bird has a glossy black head, bright blue wings, and a long tail. Below it, two smaller birds stand side by side—one with speckled brown feathers, the other with a mix of black, white, and a red patch on its face. A few green leaves with red berries hang in the background. The artist labeled each bird by name, like "Stellar’s Jay" and "Lapland Longspur." The colors are soft but precise, with careful shading to show texture. Next, check out the technique: etching to see how artists like this made detailed prints.
