The Red Winged Starling (Oriolus phoeniceus)

published 1754

Mark Catesby

Associated Names
Mark Catesby

Artist, English, 1679 - 1749

This is a painting of a red-winged starling perched on a branch with green leaves and berries. The starling is depicted with its wings slightly open, showcasing its red and yellow shoulder markings against a mostly black plumage. The bird's head is turned downwards, focusing on its footing on the green branch. Beside the bird, there is a branch with elongated, glossy green leaves and clusters of small dark berries. The composition combines detailed illustration with an emphasis on the bird's vivid coloration and the plant’s texture.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching and engraving with hand coloring on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Collection of Dr. and Mrs. George Benjamin Green

  • Dimensions

    plate: 26.5 x 35.4 cm (10 7/16 x 13 15/16 in.)
    sheet: 30.8 x 42.9 cm (12 1/8 x 16 7/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1991.163.34

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Natural History, Vol. vol.1, no. 13

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Dr. and Mrs. George Benjamin Green, Virginia; gift to NGA, 1991.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1771

  • Catesby, Mark. The Natural History of Carolina, Florida, and the Bahama Islands. London: 1771.

Inscriptions

lower right in plate: Myrtus Brabantica Similis Caroliniensis / humilior; folijs latioribus, et magis serratis. / The broad leaved candle-berry Myrtle.; upper right in plate: Sturnus niger alis supernis rubro colore. / The red Wing'd Starling.; upper left in plate: T.13.; by later hand, lower right in graphite: Marc Catesby - London - 1754

Watermarks

IHS / VILLIDARY

Wikidata ID

Q74894788

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