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Plate 1: Two Ostriches and a Starling

Joris Hoefnagel

National Gallery of Art

This is a painting of an ostrich and another bird with an inscription. The painting depicts a large ostrich in the center, with intricate feather detailing and slender legs. Another bird, possibly a starling, stands atop a mound. The terrain features soft hills and sandy ground. An inscription in Latin frames the image. This is in the style of early scientific illustration.

Artwork Details

Date
c.1575/1590s
Medium
watercolor and gold paint on parchment
Dimensions
5531 × 4002 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original