Gralha da Colômbia
1827-1838
John James Audubon captures the electric blue drama of the 'Columbia Jay' (now known as the Steller's Jay) in this striking plate from his legendary Birds of America. Notice the birds' spiky crests and incredibly long tails; Audubon was famous for wiring dead specimens into dynamic, lifelike poses—like the top bird hunching over a nut—to make them look more exciting than they would in nature. Originally named after the Columbia River, this vibrant illustration showcases the artist's obsession with showing birds in action, essentially directing them like a stage manager to get the perfect shot for his massive, life-sized book.
- Technique
- Hand-colored engraving and aquatint
- Material
- Paper
- Dimensions
- Approx. 39 x 29 inches (Double Elephant Folio)
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