The Bird by Philip Kennedy

About the work

The Bird delves into the captivating realm of ornithological illustration during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. This period marked an era of profound scientific, artistic, and geographical exploration when individuals began to gain a deep appreciation for the extraordinary diversity of form and colour found in the natural world. Within the pages of this book, we celebrate the sheer beauty of this era through its opulent illustrations.

Each chapter is dedicated to a specific category of birds, ranging from shorebirds to birds of prey. In-depth sections dedicated to notable ornithological artists like John James Audubon, Elizabeth Gould, and Edward Lear shed light on how technology, travel, and ambition converged to produce these remarkable images. Their collective work not only enhanced our understanding of the enchanting avian world but also left an indelible mark on the field of ornithology.