Spoonbill and Avocet

c. 1600

Adriaen Collaert

Associated Names
Adriaen Collaert

Artist, Flemish, Flemish, 1560 - 1618

This is a drawing of two large birds standing in a landscape with a village in the background. The image shows two distinct large birds named "Platea" and "Recurvirostra" in the foreground surrounded by grass and vegetation. "Platea" has a long neck and straight bill, while "Recurvirostra" has a curved beak. The background includes a river, a village, mountainous terrain, and a sky textured with horizontal lines to represent clouds. The illustration combines detailed outlines and shading to depict the birds and the landscape.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    engraving on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Gift of The Circle of the National Gallery of Art

  • Dimensions

    plate: 13.3 x 19.1 cm (5 1/4 x 7 1/2 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1993.32.1.p

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    New Hollstein, no. 1418, State i/ii

  • Volume Title

    Avium Vivae Icones (Living images of birds)

Associated Artworks

See all 32 artworks

Avium Vivae Icones (Living images of birds)

Adriaen Collaert

1595

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

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.

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. 1418, state i/ii.

Inscriptions

beside bird on left in plate: Platea; beside bird on right in plate: Recuruirostra; lower left in plate: Adr. Collaert excud.; lower left in plate: 15.

Watermarks

IP

Wikidata ID

Q75122425

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