The Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber)

published 1731-1743

Mark Catesby

Associated Names
Mark Catesby

Artist, English, 1679 - 1749

This image depicts a red bird standing in front of a leafless tree, with a coastal background. The bird has a vivid red body and long legs, positioned centrally. The tree has slender, twisted branches reaching upwards. The background features a calm sea, rocky outcrops, and small palm-like trees. In the foreground, there is grass and a starfish. The colors are earthy, emphasizing textures. The composition resembles classical natural history illustrations, focusing on detailed depiction.

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: 35.2 x 25.9 cm (13 7/8 x 10 3/16 in.)
    sheet: 50.3 x 35.6 cm (19 13/16 x 14 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1991.163.36

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Natural History, Vol. vol.1, no. 73

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

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

Associated Names

Bibliography

1771

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

Inscriptions

lower left in plate (along shoreline): MC; lower left in plate: Phaenicopterus.; lower right in plate: Keratophiton &c.; upper left in plate: T.73

Watermarks

none

Wikidata ID

Q74894795

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