The Pied-billed Dobchick (Colymbus podiceps)

Mark Catesby, published 1731–1743

This is a painting of a bird with webbed feet, identified as "Podiceps," likely a type of grebe, depicted in water. The image portrays the bird from a side angle, with its body mostly round and head elegantly curved towards its back, as it sits on a blue patch representing water. The bird's plumage is shown in shades of brown with intricate detailing. The feet are detailed with lines suggesting a scale-like texture, extending out behind the bird. This painting is in the style of naturalist illustrations of the 18th and 19th centuries.
Artist
Mark Catesby
Date
published 1731–1743
Type
Print
Medium
etching and engraving with hand coloring on laid paper
Dimensions
26.2 × 34 cm
Collection
National Gallery of Art, Washington
Licence
Public domain, CC0

Image description

This is a painting of a bird with webbed feet, identified as "Podiceps," likely a type of grebe, depicted in water. The image portrays the bird from a side angle, with its body mostly round and head elegantly curved towards its back, as it sits on a blue patch representing water. The bird's plumage is shown in shades of brown with intricate detailing. The feet are detailed with lines suggesting a scale-like texture, extending out behind the bird. This painting is in the style of naturalist illustrations of the 18th and 19th centuries.

Mark Catesby