A Dead Bird (Quail?) Seen from Below 1685 - 1755

Count Giorgio Durante (Duranti) was an Italian artist known for his detailed drawings of natural subjects, as exemplified in his “A Dead Bird (Quail?) Seen from Below.” This 18th-century drawing, currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, showcases a single quail, suspended against a simple white background. The precise detail of the bird's feathers, the delicate lines of its outstretched legs, and the subtle shading that captures the light on its form exemplify Durante's mastery of scientific observation and artistic skill. This work reflects the growing interest in natural history during the Enlightenment era and its impact on visual arts.