Phasianus Elegans (Elegant Pheasant) 1870 - 1872

This is Daniel Giraud Elliot's "Phasianus Elegans (Elegant Pheasant)", a print that reflects the Victorian era's fascination with the natural world. Born into wealth, Elliot studied ornithology and zoology. His class and gender afforded him opportunities unavailable to many others during this period. Yet, his detailed depictions of birds, like this Elegant Pheasant, speak to broader issues of representation and power. The term ‘elegant’ emphasizes aesthetic appeal, but also hints at the social hierarchies mirrored in the animal kingdom. The vibrant male pheasant, prominently displayed, contrasts with the subdued female, embodying a visual narrative of gendered expectations. The scientific study of ornithology during Elliot’s time was often intertwined with colonial exploration and domination. The act of naming and classifying species reinforced Western power structures. Reflecting on this work invites us to consider how perceptions of beauty and scientific inquiry are shaped by societal norms and biases.