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Tufted Coquette

Martin Johnson Heade

1863

oil

canvas

From the collection of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

American Impressionism Late 19th Century

Dominant colour

Tufted Coquette is a 1863 oil by Martin Johnson Heade, a American Impressionism work, held at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.

Who painted this?: Martin Johnson Heade
When & what style?: 1863 · American Impressionism
Where can I see it?: Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

About this work

This painting features a small, green bird with a tuft of red feathers on its head, perched on a thin branch. The bird is turned to the right, facing a nest containing two eggs. The nest is attached to a larger branch with leaves, and the background is a soft, hazy landscape with mountains. The painting is rendered in muted colors, with the bird and nest standing out against the subdued background. The overall effect is one of serenity and stillness. To learn more about the artist's use of light and shadow, explore the technique of chiaroscuro.