The Large Red-crested Woodpecker. Live Oak 1731 - 1743

"The Large Red-crested Woodpecker. Live Oak" is an illustration by Mark Catesby, an English naturalist and artist. Catesby, who lived from 1679 to 1749, was renowned for his detailed illustrations of the flora and fauna of the Americas. This particular artwork, created between 1731 and 1743, showcases a vibrant and detailed depiction of a red-crested woodpecker perched on a live oak branch. The piece is a testament to Catesby's keen eye for observation and artistic skill, making it a valuable resource for ornithological study and a striking example of natural history illustration. This artwork is part of Catesby's "Natural History of Carolina, Florida and the Bahama Islands" which established him as one of the most significant naturalists of his time.