Artwork preview

The Nuthatch (Sitta Europaea)

Mark Catesby

National Gallery of Art

This is a painting of two birds perched on a tree stump surrounded by leafy branches. The tree stump has dark, textured bark and a smooth, flat top, while the branches have elongated green leaves. One bird is on the left side of the stump, displaying black, white, and hints of orange plumage, while the other bird is on the right. Acorns can be seen on the branches. The painting captures the interaction between the birds and their habitat, and is in the style of John James Audubon.

Artwork Details

Date
published 1754
Medium
etching and engraving with hand coloring on laid paper
Dimensions
3407 × 4588 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original