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The Bald Eagle (Falco leucocephalus)

Mark Catesby

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing of an eagle capturing a fish. The artwork depicts an eagle with outstretched wings, capturing a fish with its talons as it descends. The details of the feathers and claws are depicted with precision. In the upper left corner is a smaller sketch of the eagle in flight, and on the right is an outline sketch of an eagle’s head. The background is minimal, emphasizing the interaction between the eagle and its prey. The rendering reflects a study of the bird's anatomy and pose.

Artwork Details

Date
published 1731-1743
Medium
etching and engraving with hand coloring on laid paper
Dimensions
4858 × 3435 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original