Waxwing and Another Bird

c. 1600

Adriaen Collaert

Associated Names
Adriaen Collaert

Artist, Flemish, Flemish, 1560 - 1618

The image shows a black and white engraving of two birds on plants and branches. The birds are detailed with precise engraving lines, displaying intricate feathers. A landscape with water, a sailboat, a town, and hills is visible in the background. The engraving includes a town with buildings, a bridge, and hills with foliage far away. The horizon is in the middle, where the town meets the sky. The engraving uses lines and hatching for texture and depth, with a monochromatic palette providing contrast. A palm tree on the left and another plant on the right balance the composition. The sky has soft clouds, enhancing the peaceful atmosphere.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.
Not on view See artworks now on view

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    engraving on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Gift of The Circle of the National Gallery of Art

  • Dimensions

    plate: 13.1 x 18.9 cm (5 3/16 x 7 7/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1993.32.1.cc

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    New Hollstein, no. 1433, 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. 1433, state i/ii.

Inscriptions

above bird on right in plate: Picae glandariae genus; lower center in plate: Adr. Collaert fecit et excud.; by later hand, lower left in graphite: 13

Watermarks

IP

Wikidata ID

Q75122492

You may be interested in

Loading Results