Artwork
Female Crow Blackbird, Orange-Crowned Warbler, Lark Finch
Female Crow Blackbird, Orange-Crowned Warbler, Lark Finch is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Alexander Lawson. It dates from 1810 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1810, this color etching by Alexander Lawson presents a trio of avian subjects arranged vertically. Each bird is rendered with careful attention to plumage and form, set against a muted beige ground that accentuates their natural coloration.
Subject & Meaning
The work depicts a female crow blackbird, an orange‑crowned warbler, and a lark finch.
The work depicts a female crow blackbird, an orange‑crowned warbler, and a lark finch. The birds are shown in realistic pose, highlighting distinctive traits such as the crow’s glossy blue‑tinged back, the warbler’s bright yellow body with a brown mantle, and the finch’s striped brown‑white plumage and elongated tail. The selection suggests an interest in the diversity of North American songbirds.
Technique & Style
Lawson employed a color etching process, combining line work with hand‑applied pigments to achieve subtle tonal variations. The rendering follows a naturalistic approach typical of early 19th‑century scientific illustration, yet the delicate shading and fine line work convey a gentle, Romantic sensibility toward the natural world.
History & Provenance
The print originates from Lawson’s early career, dated to the year 1810. While specific ownership records are limited, the piece reflects the period’s growing fascination with ornithology and the use of print media to disseminate detailed studies of wildlife.
Artist & collection
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