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This is a painting of an American Coot by the water's edge, surrounded by tall grasses. The bird's black plumage contrasts sharply with its pale green legs and striking red eyes, as it stands on a muddy bank next to the clear blue water. Tall, lush green grasses form the backdrop. The detailing in the bird's feathers and feet, as well as in the delicate strands of grass, showcases a careful observation of nature. This is in style of John James Audubon.
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This is a painting of an American Coot by the water's edge, surrounded by tall grasses. The bird's black plumage contrasts sharply with its pale green legs and striking red eyes, as it stands on a muddy bank next to the clear blue water. Tall, lush green grasses form the backdrop. The detailing in the bird's feathers and feet, as well as in the delicate strands of grass, showcases a careful observation of nature. This is in style of John James Audubon.

National Gallery of Art · Print

American Coot

Robert Havell after John James Audubon

Date
1835
Medium
hand-colored engraving and aquatint on Whatman wove paper
Classification
Print
Accession number
1945.8.239
Credit line
Gift of Mrs. Walter B. James
Time span
1826 to 1850
Department
CG-W
Original NGA record Wikidata

Portfolio and series

Series
The Birds of America: Plate CCXXXIX

Subjects and terms

  • American
  • etching
  • aquatint
  • bird
  • animal
  • Water
  • Grass

NGA object ID 32377. Collection metadata is reproduced under CC0. This work is included because its NGA published-image record is marked open access; visitors should recheck the source record before substantial reuse.