The artwork titled “Plate 77 Belted Kingfisher” by John James Audubon is a notable illustration from his seminal work, “Birds of America,” which was produced between 1827 and 1838. This piece is a clear representation of the Naturalism art movement, focusing on the accurate and detailed depiction of nature, and in this case, avian subjects.
The artwork captures the likeness of two Belted Kingfishers in vigorous motion. The upper segment shows a pair of these birds mid-flight, wings spanned and feathers rendered with meticulous detail, showcasing Audubon’s capacity to breathe life into his ornithological portraits. The birds are depicted against a plain backdrop that draws the viewer’s attention to the subjects themselves. Below, a solitary kingfisher is seen from a side profile, perched atop a decaying tree stump that protrudes from a calm body of water. The backdrop here is more developed; a serene landscape is hinted at with gentle brush strokes depicting distant mountains, trees, and the water’s edge. This bifocal composition not only portrays the Belted Kingfisher’s dynamic movement but also places the creature within its natural habitat, which is a critical aspect of Audubon’s work – to merge scientific observation with the allure of art.
The title “Belted Kingfisher” is given prominence at the base of the artwork, followed by the scientific name “Alcedo Alcyon”, reinforcing the scientific foundation of Audubon’s artistic endeavors. The plate number and Audubon’s name are also featured, ensuring attribution and contributing to a systematic approach in documenting the numerous species included in “Birds of America.” The meticulous attention to anatomical detail, vibrant coloration, and the birds’ contextual placement within this print underscore the enduring impact of Audubon’s contributions to both art and ornithology.
