The Purple Jack Daw (Gracula Quiscula)

Mark Catesby, published 1731–1743

This is a painting of a purple bird perched on a rock. The image depicts a bird with dark plumage standing on a small, rocky mound scattered with patches of greenery. The bird's beak is open, and its eye is highlighted. The brushstrokes illustrate the texture of its feathers, while the rock beneath is shaded in warm earth tones, accentuated by small areas of plant life sprouting around it. The background is a plain, light color, allowing focus on the detailed rendering of the bird itself.
Artist
Mark Catesby
Date
published 1731–1743
Type
Print
Medium
etching and engraving with hand coloring on laid paper
Dimensions
26 × 34.8 cm
Collection
National Gallery of Art, Washington
Licence
Public domain, CC0

Image description

This is a painting of a purple bird perched on a rock. The image depicts a bird with dark plumage standing on a small, rocky mound scattered with patches of greenery. The bird's beak is open, and its eye is highlighted. The brushstrokes illustrate the texture of its feathers, while the rock beneath is shaded in warm earth tones, accentuated by small areas of plant life sprouting around it. The background is a plain, light color, allowing focus on the detailed rendering of the bird itself.

Mark Catesby