The Red Legged Thrush (Turdus plumbeus) Possibly 1731 - 1743

Mark Catesby’s "The Red Legged Thrush" captures the bird perched amidst the fruiting branches of the 'Gum Elemi Tree'. The image is rich with the symbolism of nature’s bounty. Birds, across cultures, often represent freedom, the soul, or even prophecy. But here, the thrush, firmly planted, engages with ripe fruit, a classical symbol of fertility and abundance, reminiscent of Pomona, the Roman goddess of fruitful abundance, whose image has been used to signal prosperity. We can consider this thrush and fruit in the light of the ‘Et in Arcadia ego’ motif—a meditation on mortality even in life's most joyous scenes. Even in moments of plenty, the fleeting nature of life and beauty persists. This visual language transcends time, echoing through Renaissance paintings and resurfacing in contemporary art, reminding us of the cyclical nature of symbols.