Who painted The Booby (Pelecanus Sula)?

The Booby (Pelecanus Sula) was painted by Mark Catesby in 1737.

Where can I see The Booby (Pelecanus Sula)?

The Booby (Pelecanus Sula) is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is The Booby (Pelecanus Sula)?

The Booby (Pelecanus Sula) is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

The Booby (Pelecanus Sula)

Mark Catesby , 1737

The Booby (Pelecanus Sula) is an ink print by the Baroque artist Mark Catesby. It dates from 1737 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Booby (Pelecanus Sula) is a print created by Mark Catesby in 1737, featuring a detailed depiction of a bird in its natural habitat.

Subject & Meaning

The print shows a large seabird with a distinctive beak and mottled brown feathers, standing on a rocky outcropping near a body of water with ships in the distance, likely documenting the species as part of Catesby's broader study of North American wildlife.

Technique & Style

The work is executed in etching and engraving with hand coloring on laid paper, showcasing Catesby's skill in capturing the textures and colors of the natural world through a realistic and detailed representation.

History & Provenance

The Booby (Pelecanus Sula) is part of Mark Catesby's Natural History of Carolina, Florida and the Bahama Islands, a comprehensive study of regional flora and fauna published between 1729 and 1747.