Parrot (Le Perroquet Brunatre. Pfittacus Fulcus Mexicanus)
1755
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1755
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This etching shows a single green parrot perched on a branch. Its bright feathers stand out against a plain background, with simple lines for the branch and leaves. The artist added color by hand after printing. Leitner made many bird pictures like this. He worked in the 1700s, so his style looks a little stiff to us now. But the detail on the parrot’s feathers is still impressive. If you like this, check out an etching by Maria Sibylla Merian next.
