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Rough-legged Falcon

Robert Havell after John James Audubon

National Gallery of Art

This is a painting of a rough-legged falcon perched on a branch with its prey. The falcon's talons grip the body of a smaller bird, likely a woodpecker, against the branch. The falcon's feathers show a range of browns, tans, and blacks, with light-colored undersides on its wings and tail. The tree branch has rough bark texture and greenish moss. The background is plain, focusing on the central scene. The style is reminiscent of John James Audubon, known for detailed bird illustrations.

Artwork Details

Date
1833
Medium
hand-colored engraving and aquatint on Whatman wove paper
Dimensions
3099 × 4660 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
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