The Tropic Bird (Phaeton aethereus)

probably 1743/1762

Johann Michael Seligmann after Mark Catesby

Associated Names
Johann Michael Seligmann

Artist, German, 1720 - 1762

Mark Catesby

Artist After, English, 1679 - 1749

This is a painting of two birds. One bird is in flight with wings extended upwards, while the other bird is standing on the ground. The large bird has a long tail, white plumage, a red beak, and red legs. The smaller bird has brown feathers. The composition is detailed and illustrative with a plain background. The image features text in various languages that describe the birds. The style is reminiscent of John James Audubon, known for his precise bird illustrations.

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: 21.9 x 37.5 cm (8 5/8 x 14 3/4 in.)
    sheet: 24.4 x 39.1 cm (9 5/8 x 15 3/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1991.163.15

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Dr. and Mrs. George Benjamin Green, Virginia; gift to NGA, 1991.

Associated Names

Inscriptions

lower left in plate: M. Catesby ad viv. delin.; lower right in plate: I.M.Seligmann Sc. et exud.; across bottom in plate: Avis Tropicorum. L'Oiseau des Tropiques. No.111.Wter Theil. Larus minimus marinus,naribus tubulatis. Le Pinfon de Mer,ou de tempete.; lower center in plate: C.P.S.C.Maj.; center right in plate: Die HeinsteMeme mit röhrenförmigen Hafenlöchern.; upper left in plate: Der Tropicvogel.; upper right in plate: Tab. CXI.

Watermarks

J HONIG & ZOONEN

Wikidata ID

Q74894668

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