Artwork
The Ground Dove (Columba passerina)
The Ground Dove (Columba passerina) 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 Ground Dove (Columba passerina) is a print created by Mark Catesby in 1737, featuring an etching and engraving with hand coloring on laid paper. It is part of Catesby's Natural History of Carolina, Florida and the Bahama Islands, a comprehensive documentation of North American wildlife.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a ground dove standing beneath a tree branch with green leaves and white flowers. The dove's brown feathers and yellow beak are rendered in detail, conveying a sense of naturalistic observation. The image reflects Catesby's firsthand study of the species.
Technique & Style
Catesby employed a combination of etching, engraving, and hand coloring to create the print. The use of color and shading achieves a sense of depth and dimensionality, drawing attention to the dove and its surroundings. The overall effect is serene and natural.
History & Provenance
The Ground Dove was published as part of Catesby's Natural History, a multi-volume work released between 1729 and 1747. The series comprised 220 plates documenting various species, contributing significantly to early natural history documentation.
Artist & collection
Artist
Mark Catesby (24 March 1683 – 23 December 1749) was an English naturalist who studied the flora and fauna of the New World.
