The artwork “Plate 136 Meadow Lark,” created by John James Audubon, belongs to the Naturalism art movement and is an illustration from the series “Birds of America” (1827-1838). This meticulously detailed illustration showcases Audubon’s dedication to capturing the vivid intricacies and natural beauty of bird species in their habitats.
In the artwork, a meadow lark is depicted within the lush and verdant surroundings of a natural habitat, complete with rich green foliage and delicate yellow flowers. The scene portrays the meadow lark in various poses, one perched gracefully and another mid-flight, illustrating not only the bird’s physical characteristics but also its behavior and environment. The attention to detail—evident in the textural rendering of feathers, leaves, and flora—exemplifies the naturalistic approach typical of Audubon’s work. This piece serves as both an artistic masterpiece and a scientific record, characteristic of Audubon’s contributions to ornithological illustration.
