Green Heron, Night Heron, Young Heron, and Great White Heron

published 1808-1814

John G. Warnicke after Alexander Wilson

Associated Names
John G. Warnicke

Artist, American, died 1818

Alexander Wilson

Artist After, American, 1766 - 1813

This painting depicts four different species of herons together. The birds are detailed in appearance, showcasing their distinct features and plumage colors. One heron has white plumage and an orange beak, standing on the left. Another heron with turquoise body and chestnut chest is perched on a branch to the right. A dark-capped heron with gray and black wing pattern is shown below, facing the viewer. There is a heron with brown speckles and a red eye under the tall heron. The background features grass, water, and distant landforms, emphasizing the birds. The style is similar to John James Audubon's accurate bird depictions.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    hand-colored engraving with etching on wove paper

  • Credit Line

    Collection of Dr. and Mrs. George Benjamin Green

  • Dimensions

    plate: 33 x 26.2 cm (13 x 10 5/16 in.)
    sheet: 47.1 x 32.5 cm (18 9/16 x 12 13/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1991.163.31


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

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

Associated Names

Inscriptions

lower left in plate: Drawn from Nature by A.Wilson; lower right in plate: Engraved by J.G. Warnicke; across bottom in plate: 1. Green Heron. 2. Night H. 3. Young. 4. Great White H.; lower center in plate: 61; by later hand, lower right in graphite: 40_

Watermarks

present but not identified

Wikidata ID

Q74894745

You may be interested in

Loading Results