Golden-crowned thrush
1827-1838
John James Audubon was obsessed with capturing birds in their natural habitats, but his methods were a bit macabre—he often used freshly killed specimens propped up with wires to achieve these dynamic, lifelike poses. This plate, featuring the Golden-crowned Thrush (now more commonly known as the Ovenbird), showcases his incredible attention to detail, from the speckled breast of the perched bird to the vibrant yellow mushrooms at the base. Published in his monumental 'The Birds of America,' this hand-colored engraving is a perfect example of 19th-century natural history illustration that blurred the line between science and art.
- Technique
- Hand-colored engraving
- Material
- Paper
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