The Blue Heron (Ardea coerulea)

Mark Catesby, published 1731–1743

The artwork is a detailed illustration of a Blue Heron, oriented vertically. The heron is depicted in profile, standing on a small patch of land beside a body of water. Its plumage is rendered in shades of blue and gray, with intricate feather detailing. The bird's long neck curves, and its beak is colored in a vivid blue. The heron's legs are slender and yellowish-brown, with large, prominent feet. Sparse vegetation, including grass and cattails, surrounds the bird. The background is plain. An inscription "Ardea coerulea" is visible near the bottom left, identifying the species.
Artist
Mark Catesby
Date
published 1731–1743
Type
Print
Medium
etching and engraving with hand coloring on laid paper
Dimensions
35.6 × 25.7 cm
Collection
National Gallery of Art, Washington
Licence
Public domain, CC0

Image description

The artwork is a detailed illustration of a Blue Heron, oriented vertically. The heron is depicted in profile, standing on a small patch of land beside a body of water. Its plumage is rendered in shades of blue and gray, with intricate feather detailing. The bird's long neck curves, and its beak is colored in a vivid blue. The heron's legs are slender and yellowish-brown, with large, prominent feet. Sparse vegetation, including grass and cattails, surrounds the bird. The background is plain. An inscription "Ardea coerulea" is visible near the bottom left, identifying the species.

Mark Catesby