Artwork

The Wounded Eagle

The Wounded Eagle, by Rosa Bonheur, oil, 1870
The Wounded Eagle, by Rosa Bonheur, oil, 1870

The Wounded Eagle is an oil painting by Rosa Bonheur. It dates from 1870 and is held in the collection of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Wounded Eagle is an 1870 oil painting by French artist Rosa Bonheur, currently part of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The painting captures a moment of distress, depicting a large brown eagle in mid-flight with outstretched wings, ruffled feathers, and an open beak, conveying intense movement and energy against a serene blue sky with white clouds.

Technique & Style

Executed in a realistic style, the work showcases Bonheur's attention to detail, particularly in the textured rendering of the eagle's feathers and the sky.

History & Provenance

Created in 1870, the painting's ownership history prior to its acquisition by the Los Angeles County Museum of Art is not detailed here.

Context

Part of Bonheur's oeuvre focusing on animal subjects, The Wounded Eagle reflects her interest in wildlife and ability to evoke emotion through realistic depictions of natural subjects.

Legacy

While specific impact on wildlife art or broader artistic movements is not highlighted, the piece remains a notable example of Bonheur's skill in capturing dynamic animal life.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Rosa Bonheur

Artist

Rosa Bonheur

Rosa Bonheur was a French artist known best as a painter of animals (animalière).