The Bald Eagle (Falco leucocephalus)

published 1731-1743

Mark Catesby

Associated Names
Mark Catesby

Artist, English, 1679 - 1749

This is a drawing of an eagle capturing a fish. The artwork depicts an eagle with outstretched wings, capturing a fish with its talons as it descends. The details of the feathers and claws are depicted with precision. In the upper left corner is a smaller sketch of the eagle in flight, and on the right is an outline sketch of an eagle’s head. The background is minimal, emphasizing the interaction between the eagle and its prey. The rendering reflects a study of the bird's anatomy and pose.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching and engraving with hand coloring on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Dr. and Mrs. George Benjamin Green

  • Dimensions

    plate: 26.1 × 37.6 cm (10 1/4 × 14 13/16 in.)
    sheet: 34.2 × 49 cm (13 7/16 × 19 5/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1977.24.1

  • Catalogue Raisonné

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

Artwork history & notes

Bibliography

1771

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

Watermarks

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

Wikidata ID

Q65574796

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