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Raphus cucullatus, dodo, Ara macao, scarlet macaw
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Raphus cucullatus, dodo, Ara macao, scarlet macaw
Oil painting attributed to Roelandt Savery (c. 1625). Given to The Natural History Museum, London, in 1759 by G. Edwards. See N04297 for black and white image
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Media ID 8596015
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10703863
18th Century Columbidae Columbiformes Dodo Edwards Elphick Explorer Flightless George Edwards Jonathan Jonathan Elphick Kindred Macaw Parrot Perched Perching Psittacidae Ara Macao
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This oil painting, attributed to the Flemish artist Roelandt Savery and dated around 1625, showcases an intriguing assemblage of four extraordinary birds: the Raphus cucullatus, or dodo, and the Ara macao, or scarlet macaw, both native to the Atlantic islands and the Americas, respectively. The painting is a testament to the fascination and curiosity Europeans held towards exotic species during the 17th century. The dodo, a flightless bird endemic to Mauritius, is depicted perched on a rocky outcrop, its distinctive blue-grey plumage contrasting with the lush green foliage behind it. Its large, round body, short neck, and small wings are characteristic features of this extinct bird, which was hunted to extinction by the late 17th century. The scarlet macaw, on the other hand, is shown perched on a tree branch, its vibrant red, blue, and yellow feathers creating a striking contrast against the dark background. With a wingspan of up to 1 m (3.3 ft), this large parrot is a native of Central and South America and is known for its intelligence and distinctive call. The presence of these two birds together in the painting suggests an exploration or hunting scene, possibly depicting European settlers encountering these exotic species for the first time. The painting was given to The Natural History Museum, London, in 1759 by George Edwards, a renowned English naturalist and illustrator. Edwards was a pioneer in the field of ornithology and is known for his meticulously detailed illustrations of birds. This painting is a remarkable example of the art of ornithology during the 18th century and provides a glimpse into the fascination and curiosity Europeans held towards exotic birds during this period. The kindred presence of the dodo and the scarlet macaw in the painting highlights the interconnectedness of the natural world and the desire to document and understand it.
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