Ivory-billed Woodpeckers

Joseph Bartholomew Kidd

Created:
Movement:
1831
Realism
key Notes:
Ornithological Realism, Detailed Naturalism
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Dimensions:
39 1/4 x 26 1/4 in. (99.7 x 66.7 cm)
medium:
Oil on canvas
Difficulty:
Expert
New game
story of the work:

"Ivory-billed Woodpeckers" is a painting by Joseph Bartholomew Kidd, created around 1830–31. Kidd was an American artist known for his natural history illustrations and depictions of wildlife. The painting features the now-extinct ivory-billed woodpecker, which was native to the southeastern United States. This work reflects the early 19th-century interest in ornithology and the documentation of American fauna. The ivory-billed woodpecker was characterized by its striking black and white plumage and large size. Kidd's painting serves as both an artistic representation and a scientific record of the species. The current location of the painting is unknown, and further details about its provenance are not well-documented.

Description of the work:

"Ivory-billed Woodpeckers" by Joseph Bartholomew Kidd, created circa 1830–31, is an oil on canvas painting that depicts two ivory-billed woodpeckers in a naturalistic setting. The composition features the birds prominently, showcasing their distinctive plumage with a striking contrast of black, white, and red. The background is rendered with a soft focus, suggesting a lush, wooded environment that enhances the subject's prominence. The use of light and shadow adds depth to the scene, highlighting the textures of the birds' feathers and the bark of the trees. The overall color palette is rich yet subdued, reflecting the natural habitat of the woodpeckers. Kidd's attention to detail and anatomical accuracy exemplifies his skill in ornithological representation. The painting serves as both a celebration of the species and a documentation of its existence during a time when the ivory-billed woodpecker was still relatively common.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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Ivory-billed Woodpeckers