The Blue Heron (Ardea coerulea)
Mark Catesby, publié en 1731–1743
- Artiste
- Mark Catesby
- Datation
- publié en 1731–1743
- Catégorie
- Estampe
- Technique
- etching and engraving with hand coloring on laid paper
- Dimensions
- 35,6 × 25,7 cm
- Collection
- National Gallery of Art, Washington
- Licence
- Domaine public, CC0
Description de l’image
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.