Common blackbird, Turdus merula
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Common blackbird, Turdus merula
Common blackbird, Turdus merula.. Handcolored copperplate drawn and engraved by George Graves from his own British Ornithology, Walworth, 1821. Graves was a bookseller, publisher, artist, engraver and colorist and worked on botanical and ornithological books
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Media ID 14209496
© Florilegius / Mary Evans
1821 Blackbird Common Graves Merula Ornithology Turdus
EDITORS COMMENTS
This exquisite handcolored copperplate print depicts the Common Blackbird, Turdus merula, a native bird species found throughout Europe, North America, and Asia. The intricately detailed illustration was drawn and engraved by George Graves, a versatile Englishman who was not only a bookseller and publisher but also an accomplished artist, engraver, and colorist. Graves' work on botanical and ornithological books during the early 19th century is renowned for its beauty and accuracy. The Common Blackbird, with its glossy black plumage, yellow beak, and distinctive yellow eye-ring, is shown perched on a branch against a lush green background. The artist's meticulous attention to detail is evident in the textured feathers, the lifelike expression on the bird's face, and the delicate shading that adds depth and dimension to the image. This print is taken from Graves' work, "British Ornithology," published in Walworth in 1821. The historical significance of this work lies in its contribution to the scientific record of avian species during a time when the study of natural history was gaining popularity. The hand-colored copperplate technique, which involved printing from engraved plates and then carefully applying watercolors by hand, was a labor-intensive process that produced high-quality, visually stunning results. Today, this print serves as a beautiful reminder of the rich natural history heritage that Graves and his contemporaries helped to document, and it continues to inspire appreciation for the natural world and the artistry of the past.
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