Artwork
Bustard and Great Crested Grebe
Bustard and Great Crested Grebe is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Adriaen Collaert. It dates from 1600 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Adriaen Collaert's 'Bustard and Great Crested Grebe' is an engraving on laid paper, dated to around 1600. The work features two birds on a rocky shoreline, set against a detailed landscape background.
Subject & Meaning
The engraving depicts a bustard (left, identifiable by its long neck and tail feathers) and a great crested grebe (right, distinguished by its head crest), both facing right. The scene may highlight the artist's interest in ornithology or serve as a study of naturalistic representation.
Technique & Style
The engraving showcases meticulous attention to detail, particularly in the rendering of the birds' feathers. The use of engraving techniques likely allowed for the precise, intricate lines evident in the work.
History & Provenance
Created circa 1600, specific details about the work's history, ownership, or exhibition record before its current location are not provided in the available information.
Context
The background includes a Dutch landscape (windmill, house, and a distant sailing ship), situating the piece within the Flemish tradition of combining detailed natural and man-made elements.
Legacy
The legacy of 'Bustard and Great Crested Grebe' is not elaborated upon in the provided sources, though it contributes to Adriaen Collaert's body of work in engraving and natural history illustration.
Artist & collection
