Louisiana Heron, Pied Oyster-catcher, Hooping Crane, and Long-billed Curlew

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 is a painting of a collection of birds standing near a body of water. The painting depicts four different bird species positioned on the ground near the water's edge. The largest bird, a crane, stands prominently with elongated legs and neck, its feathers detailed in white and grayish shades. Accompanying the crane is a heron with a slender body and pointed beak, showcased by its distinctive blue and white plumage. A black and white oystercatcher is also present, distinguishable by its bright red legs and beak. The fourth bird, a long-billed curlew, is portrayed with brown and tan patterning on its feathers and a notably long, curved bill. The background displays a serene lake with gentle ripples, set against a landscape of distant hills and soft, cloud-filled skies. This is in style of John James Audubon.

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: 33.5 x 26.2 cm (13 3/16 x 10 5/16 in.)
    sheet: 47.1 x 32.2 cm (18 9/16 x 12 11/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1991.163.32


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 A. Lawson.; across bottom in plate: 1. Louisiana Heron. 2. Pied Oyster-catcher. 3. Hooping Crane. 4. Long billed Curlew; lower right in plate: 64; by later hand, lower right in graphite: 45_

Wikidata ID

Q74894751

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