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Ornamental design with two birds pecking at fruit

Karel Vitezslav Masek

1894

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Impressionism Realism Late 19th Century

Dominant colour

Ornamental design with two birds pecking at fruit is a 1894 ink by Karel Vitezslav Masek, a Impressionism work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Karel Vitezslav Masek
When & what style?: 1894 · Impressionism
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This drawing shows two birds with dark wings and beaks pecking at a cluster of fruit—peaches or plums—on a branch. Above them, a repeating pattern of swirling, leaf-like shapes fills the background in brown ink. The fruit has soft pink and green spots, and the whole scene sits on a thin, lined base. The birds’ focus on the fruit makes the whole thing feel lively, like a quiet moment caught in nature. The artist used loose, sketchy lines for the birds and fruit, but tight, precise strokes for the pattern. Next, check out watercolor to see how artists use thin layers of paint to build up light and color.