Cayenne Tern

Robert Havell after John James Audubon

National Gallery of Art

This is a painting of a Cayenne Tern standing on a rocky shore with a crab nearby, done in the style of John James Audubon. The image features a large bird, known as a Cayenne Tern, poised on the edge of a shoreline. The tern has white feathers and a distinctive black head with a red-orange beak. Perched on its legs, the bird's feet are on the ground. Below, a red crab is visible, with its claws out. The background shows gray-blue skies and dark waters, indicating an overcast day. Rocks surround the setting, illustrating the natural coastal habitat. The painting is detailed, capturing the patterns of the bird's feathers and the texture of the crab's shell.