American green winged teal
1827-1838
John James Audubon didn't just draw birds; he staged them like actors. To capture the American Green-winged Teal in this dynamic pose, he likely shot the specimens and propped them up with wires on rocks, breaking away from the stiff, profile drawings typical of his era. This print, plate 228 from his legendary 'Birds of America' series, highlights the male's vibrant chestnut head and iridescent green patch against the female's subtle, camouflaged feathers. Originally published in a massive 'Double Elephant Folio' measuring nearly three feet tall, these illustrations allowed viewers to see the birds almost life-size, transforming scientific documentation into dramatic art.
- Technique
- Hand-colored engraving
- Material
- Paper