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Plate 66: Doves and Pigeons

Joris Hoefnagel

National Gallery of Art

The image depicts four pigeons and a small branch with leaves and berries, all set against a plain background within a circular frame. The pigeons exhibit varying shades of grey, blue, and brown with detailed feather textures. A creamy-colored pigeon is perched on a branch extending from the left, adorned with green leaves and orange berries. Below, another pigeon stands on a bare tree branch that stretches across the center. The two remaining pigeons rest on the tiles of a roof in the lower part of the composition. The roof is depicted in warm terracotta tones, providing a complementary contrast to the pigeons' plumage.

Artwork Details

Date
c.1575/1590s
Medium
watercolor and gold paint on parchment
Dimensions
4943 × 3936 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original