Artwork

Frilled Coquette

Frilled Coquette, by Martin Johnson Heade, oil, 1863
Frilled Coquette, by Martin Johnson Heade, oil, 1863

Frilled Coquette is an oil painting by the American Impressionist artist Martin Johnson Heade. It dates from 1863 and is held in the collection of the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.

About this work

Overview

Frilled Coquette is an oil painting created in 1863, showcasing the artist's skillful depiction of birds in a natural setting.

Subject & Meaning

The painting features two hummingbirds, one perched on a slender branch and the other in flight, set against a soft, muted landscape with distant mountains and a cloudy sky. The birds are the primary focus, with their vibrant plumage drawing the viewer's attention.

Technique & Style

Delicate brushstrokes capture the intricate details of the birds' feathers, while the artist's use of color creates a striking contrast between the birds and the subdued background, characteristic of Heade's distinctive approach.

History & Provenance

The painting is part of the collection at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, exemplifying the American Impressionism movement.

Artist & collection