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Passenger pigeon design
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Passenger pigeon design
Drawing by Alfred Waterhouse for the ornamentation of the Natural History Museum, London, 1875-1876. Waterhouse designed the museum in the 1860s, and it first opened its doors on Easter Monday 1881
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Media ID 8613065
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10709017
Alfred Waterhouse Caenophidia Cobra Diapsid Diapsida Elapid Elapidae Lepidosaur Lepidosauria Naja Ophidia Plan Reptile Reptiles Reptilia Sauropsid Sauropsida Scaled Reptile Serpentes Snake Squamata
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EDITORS COMMENTS
1. Title: "A Nineteenth Century Ode to Extinction: Alfred Waterhouse's Passenger Pigeon and Cobra Design for the Natural History Museum, London" In the grand halls of the Natural History Museum in London, Alfred Waterhouse's intricate designs continue to captivate and inspire visitors. Among these masterpieces is a remarkable drawing of a Passenger Pigeon and a Cobra, created for the museum's ornamentation between 1875 and 1876. As the architect of the museum in the 1860s, Waterhouse's vision extended beyond the building's structure. His passion for natural history is evident in this exquisite illustration, which showcases two distinct species from different classes of the animal kingdom: the Passenger Pigeon (Reptilia, Squamata, Serpentes, Ophidia, Elapidae, Lepidopisida, Elapid, Lepidosaur) and the Cobra (Reptilia, Sauropsida, Reptilia, Squamata, Serpentes, Ophidia, Elapidae, Diapsida, Lepidosauria, Elapid, Lepidosaur). The Passenger Pigeon, once the most abundant bird species in North America, is depicted with its wings spread wide, symbolizing the vast numbers that once filled the skies. Tragically, this species was driven to extinction by overhunting in the late 19th century. The Cobra, a venomous snake from the Elapidae family, is coiled menacingly, its hood partially open, displaying its distinctive triangular head and distinctive patterned scales. Waterhouse's drawing is a testament to the natural world's beauty and diversity, as well as a poignant reminder of the consequences of human actions. The Passenger Pigeon's extinction serves as a stark reminder of the importance of conservation efforts, while the Cobra's presence highlights the intricate relationship between reptiles and their environment. This illustration, with its intricate details and rich symbolism, continues to inspire awe and admiration, making it a cherished part of the Natural History Museum's collection.
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