Artwork preview

Red-winged Starling

Robert Havell after John James Audubon

National Gallery of Art

This is a painting of red-winged blackbirds among blooming tree branches. Three birds perch on separate branches, showcasing shades of brown, black, and hints of red. A fourth bird is depicted in flight with its wings spread wide, displaying its red wing patches against a dark body. The branches have small pink blossoms. The style is similar to John James Audubon, with detailed renderings of birds in their natural environment. The composition highlights the beauty of the birds in a serene setting, focusing on ornithological accuracy.

Artwork Details

Date
1829
Medium
hand-colored engraving and aquatint on Whatman wove paper
Dimensions
2790 × 3445 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original