Dead Bird c. 1867

"Dead Bird," a watercolor by Robert Bolling Brandegee, created in 1867, depicts a small bird lying lifelessly on a dark background. The delicate details of the bird's feathers and the contrasting hues of yellow, blue, and brown create a poignant and evocative scene. Brandegee was known for his meticulous naturalism in his works, capturing the intricate beauty of the natural world, even in its most somber form. This piece, with its intimate portrayal of a deceased bird, speaks to the ephemeral nature of life and the quietude of death.