Avium Vivae Icones (Living images of birds)

c. 1600

Adriaen Collaert

Associated Names
Adriaen Collaert

Artist, Flemish, Flemish, 1560 - 1618

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    bound volume with 32 engraved plates (including title page)

  • Credit Line

    Gift of The Circle of the National Gallery of Art

  • Dimensions

    page size: 17.1 x 24.8 cm (6 3/4 x 9 3/4 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1993.32.1

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    New Hollstein, nos. 1404-1435

Associated Artworks

See all 32 artworks
This is a drawing of a decorative title page with various birds and motifs. The image features an intricately designed cartouche with the text "AVIVM VIVAE ICONES, in aes incisae & editae ab Adriano Collardo." Surrounding the central text are detailed illustrations of birds, cherubs, flowers, and butterflies. The cherubs are positioned symmetrically on either side, each holding rods. Birds, including peacocks and other avian species, are perched around the frame, interspersed with floral and ornate decorative elements. The composition is balanced with detailed textures and lines, typical of engravings and etchings from earlier centuries. The overall style suggests a Baroque influence with elaborate and ornate detailing.

Title Page

Adriaen Collaert

1595

The image shows a scenic view blending natural and architectural elements. The viewpoint is slightly elevated, capturing the landscape. The horizon features distant mountains and buildings with towers, suggesting a town or city. A peacock displays its detailed plumage on the left, while a stork stands near tall grasses on the right. In the background, a cityscape with towers and an arched bridge is seen against mountains. The style is characterized by intricate line work, typical of etching, accentuating texture and detail. The monochrome color palette of black and white emphasizes line contrast and complexity.

Peacock and Stork

Adriaen Collaert

1595

This is an image of three birds. It shows an eagle in the center, with two smaller birds on either side. The background displays mountains, buildings, and trees. The drawing is detailed, emphasizing the feathers and features of the birds and the scenery. The labels "Aquila," "Parus," and "Turtur" are placed above the birds. Depth is created by layering mountains and clouds in the background. The drawing showcases classical elements and meticulous texture typical of wildlife illustration.

Wagtail, Eagle, and Turtledove

Adriaen Collaert

1595

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Antiquariaat Junk B.V., Amsterdam; purchased 1993 by NGA.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

1995

  • Recent Acquisitions of Works of Art on Paper, National Gallery of Art, Washington, 1995.

1998

  • A Collector's Cabinet, National Gallery of Art, Washington, 1998, no. 75 (volume open to 1993.32.1.z [Ostrich and Crowned Crane]).

2025

  • Little Beasts: Art Wonder and the Natural World, National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC, 2025 (volume open to 1993.32.1.f [Hoopoe and Owl]).

Bibliography

1949

  • Hollstein, F.W.H. et al. German engravings, etchings and woodcuts ca. 1400-1700. 8 vols. Amsterdam: Menno Hertzberger, 1954-1868. Dutch and Flemish etchings, engravings and woodcuts, ca. 1450-1700. Vols. I-XV, XVIII, XIX. Amsterdam: Menno Hertzberge

1993

  • The New Hollstein Dutch & Flemish Etchings, Engravings and Woodcuts, 1450-1700. (Collaert Dynasty, Ann Diels and Marjolein Leesburg, authors). Rotterdam: Sound & Vision Interactive, 1996-, no. 1404-1435.

1998

  • Wheelock, Arthur K., Jr. A Collector's Cabinet. Exh. cat. National Gallery of Art, Washington, 1998: no. 75.

Inscriptions

by later hand, on front endpaper in graphite: "Vogels von Diverse Plummage" / no.17 + 18 p.30 etc. / published c. 1600 and 1580, two series of which / the first one is unnumbered and bound at the / end. except the title page which opens the book. / [LD?]

Watermarks

IP

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