The Yellow Titmouse (Motacilla trochilus)

published 1754

Mark Catesby

Associated Names
Mark Catesby

Artist, English, 1679 - 1749

This is a painting of a bird perched on a branch with leaves and berries. The painting depicts a small yellow bird settled among green leaves and clusters of dark purple berries. The composition is delicately arranged, with the bird positioned in the lower right section, nestled within the foliage. The leaves are elongated and prominently veined, adding a sense of texture and realism. The berries hang from slender stems that are a vivid red, which contrast with the deep purple of the berries and the green of the leaves. The background is a simple cream, serving to highlight the natural colors of the bird and plant.

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: 35.2 x 26.4 cm (13 7/8 x 10 3/8 in.)
    sheet: 40.2 x 28.4 cm (15 13/16 x 11 3/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1991.163.69

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Natural History, Vol. vol.1, no. 63

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: MC; lower right in plate: Laurus Carolinensis; lower left in plate: Parus luteus; upper left in plate: 63; by later hand, lower left in graphite: Yellow Titmouse; by later hand, lower right in graphite: Marc Catesby-London-1754

Watermarks

fleur-de-lis in shield surmounted by crown over LVG

Wikidata ID

Q74894969

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