Wooden Eagle

c. 1939

Henry Murphy

Associated Names
Henry Murphy

Artist, American, active c. 1935

This is a painting of an eagle. The image shows a stylized brown eagle with its wings partially open, in a symmetrical view. The eagle rests on a light-colored, plain background, with textured feathers and sharp claws gripping a branch below. This style is reminiscent of John James Audubon, known for detailed bird illustrations. The pose and rendering suggest a study of anatomy and a focus on realistic representation. The shading and contouring of the feathers highlights the effort to portray the bird with a sense of three-dimensionality.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    watercolor and graphite on paperboard

  • Credit Line

    Index of American Design

  • Dimensions

    overall: 35.2 x 48.4 cm (13 7/8 x 19 1/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1943.8.9818


Artwork history & notes

Bibliography

1970

  • Hornung, Clarence P., Treasury of American Design. New York, 1970: 43.

Inscriptions

upper right in graphite: MAY 15 - JUNE 15 / 39

Wikidata ID

Q64573966

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