The artwork titled “Plate 105 Red-breasted Nuthatch” is a creation by John James Audubon, a prominent figure in the Naturalism art movement. This work, classified under the genre of illustration, is a part of his renowned series, “Birds of America” which was published between 1827 and 1838.
Rendered with meticulous attention to detail typical of Naturalism, the artwork depicts a pair of Red-breasted Nuthatches. Both birds are perched on a tree branch. The nuthatch at the lower part of the branch is shown with its body mainly in a vertical position downward, with its head slightly turned upward, characteristic of nuthatches’ behavior of climbing headfirst down trees. The upper bird is illustrated in a more horizontal posture, appearing to inspect its surroundings diligently. The tree branch, textured and with hints of bark, provides a naturalistic habitat background that enhances the lifelike portrayal of the nuthatches.
