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Black-bellied Darter

Robert Havell after John James Audubon

National Gallery of Art

This is a painting of two birds perched on a tree stump by the water. The painting depicts a pair of waterfowl, identified as the Black-bellied Darter, scientifically known as Plotus Anhinga, standing atop a weathered tree trunk. One bird is perched higher than the other, with its wings outstretched, displaying intricate feather patterns in dark and light shades of black and grey. The other bird, sitting below, has a distinctive long neck, and its body is colored with rich brown and navy blue plumage. Its feet are bright yellow, gripping the bark of the trunk. In the background, there's a serene body of water with reflections of trees and a soft, peach-colored sky. This painting is reminiscent of John James Audubon's style, known for his detailed illustrations of birds.

Artwork Details

Date
1836
Medium
hand-colored engraving and aquatint on Whatman wove paper
Dimensions
3668 × 5358 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
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