Artwork
Hummingbirds with Nest
Hummingbirds with Nest is an oil painting by the American Impressionist artist Martin Johnson Heade. It dates from 1863 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts Boston.
About this work
Overview
Hummingbirds with Nest is a painting created by Martin Johnson Heade in 1863 using oil paint. It is part of the collection at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts two hummingbirds perched on a branch, facing each other, with a nest attached. The birds are rendered in detail, showcasing their green backs, white bellies, and the red throat patch of one bird. The scene conveys a sense of serenity and tranquility.
Technique & Style
Heade's work is characterized by detailed depictions of hummingbirds and flora, diverging from the romanticism prevalent among his contemporaries. His style contributed to the development of American Impressionism, evident in the realistic rendering of the birds and their surroundings.
History & Provenance
Martin Johnson Heade was born in Pennsylvania in 1819 and trained under Edward Hicks and possibly Thomas Hicks before establishing his practice. Heade's artistic career was marked by his unique focus on natural subjects, particularly hummingbirds and orchids.
Artist & collection
