Green Bird with Red Throat and Brown and Orange Bird 

George Edwards created this watercolor of a Green Bird with Red Throat and Brown and Orange Bird sometime in the mid-18th century. Edwards was known as the "father of British ornithology" due to his detailed illustrations of birds from around the world. During this period, natural history was a popular scientific pursuit, fuelled by exploration and colonization. Edwards himself never travelled outside Europe but relied on specimens and descriptions brought back by others. This image reflects the intersection of scientific observation, artistic skill, and imperial expansion that defined the era. The careful rendering of the birds' plumage speaks to the emerging scientific desire to classify and understand the natural world. At the same time, the exotic subjects hint at the growing awareness of global biodiversity brought about by colonial trade and exploration. Understanding this artwork requires us to investigate the history of science, colonialism, and the role of images in shaping our understanding of the world. By looking at sources from the period we can begin to understand the complex relationship between art, science, and society in 18th-century Britain.