Artwork

Swallow-tailed Flycatcher, Arkansas Flycatcher, Say's Flycatcher, and Female Golden-crested Wren

Swallow-tailed Flycatcher, Arkansas Flycatcher, Say's Flycatcher, and Female Golden-crested Wren is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Alexander Lawson. It dates from 1810 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. This hand-colored engraving with etching on wove paper depicts four birds perched on branches.

Inscription: Inscribed:lower left in plate: Drawn from Nature by Titian R. Peale.; lower right in plate: Engraved by Alexander Lawson.; across bottom in plate: 1. / Swallow tailed Flycatcher. / Muscicapa Forficata. / 2. / Arkansaw Flycatcher. / Muscicapa Verticalis. / 3. / Say's Flycatcher. / Muscicapa Saya / 4. / Female Golden crested Wien. / Regulus Cristatus.; by later hand, lower right in graphite: 15-

About this work

Overview

This hand-colored engraving with etching on wove paper depicts four birds perched on branches. Created in 1810 by Alexander Lawson, it showcases the artist's attention to detail in capturing the characteristics of each species.

Subject & Meaning

The print features four distinct bird species: the Swallow-tailed Flycatcher, Arkansas Flycatcher, Say's Flycatcher, and Female Golden-crested Wren. Each bird is rendered with distinctive plumage and postures, highlighting their unique characteristics.

Technique & Style

The engraving employs careful lines to convey the texture of feathers and the precision of details such as beaks and claws. The hand-coloring adds a soft, nuanced palette of browns, grays, and yellows, demonstrating a balance between delicacy and accuracy.