Zwergsäger oder Weiße Nonne
1827-1838
John James Audubon brings the Smew, also known as the 'white nun,' to life with his signature dramatic flair in this plate from his legendary book *The Birds of America*. Notice the dynamic pose of the flying bird, wings spread wide against a moody sky, contrasting with its companion calmly floating on the choppy water below. Audubon was famous for depicting birds in action rather than stiff, scientific poses, often shooting them with fine shot to get just the right angle before painting. This particular print captures the striking black-and-white plumage of the male and the reddish-headed female against a rugged, mountainous backdrop that feels almost theatrical.
- Technique
- Hand-colored engraving and aquatint
- Material
- Paper
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