Artwork preview

Meadow Lark

Robert Havell after John James Audubon

National Gallery of Art

This is a painting of meadowlarks amidst lush vegetation. The scene depicts three birds with distinctive yellow breasts, amid detailed greenery with thin, tall stalks adorned with clusters of small, vibrant yellow flowers. The central bird is energetically perched with outspread wings, suggesting a moment of motion. Below, another bird is on the ground, with a visible nest nearby. The foliage creates a dense backdrop, accentuating the natural habitat. The use of precise detailing and vivid colors highlights the lifelike portrayal characteristic of traditional ornithological illustrations.

Artwork Details

Date
1832
Medium
hand-colored engraving and aquatint on Whatman wove paper
Dimensions
3584 × 5219 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
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