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Plate 40: European Bee-Eater and Exotic Chicken

Joris Hoefnagel

National Gallery of Art

There is a bird perched on a branch on the left and a standing bird on a small grassy mound on the right. The left bird is slender with multi-colored plumage primarily in shades of green, blue, and hints of red. The right bird has a robust body with dark feathers transitioning from gray to a rusty red on its chest and head, topped with a crest. The scene features a soft, muted color palette with earth tones, namely greens, browns, and grays. The branch extends from the left side towards the center, with the small bird perched upon it, while the larger bird stands to the right side of the image. Both birds are contained within an oval frame, positioned against a pale background.

Artwork Details

Date
c.1575/1590s
Medium
watercolor and gold paint on parchment
Dimensions
5063 × 4002 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
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