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Birds

Birds turn up in every tradition gathered here: on Chinese scrolls, in Japanese prints, in natural-history plates and on American canvases. Some are observed with a naturalist's precision, others carry meanings of their own, such as the crane for long life.

24 works · hang 8748 ·

The rooms are imagined; every work on their walls is real.

Walk this roomRehang this room

Bay 1

  1. A work made of hanging scroll; ink and colors on silk.
    Frost fills the air and the autumn air is still/lines of returning geese cross the moon in the third hour-Kenshin, from the series Twelve Aspects of the MoonTsukioka Yoshitoshi, 1885/92Courtesy of the Art Institute of Chicago
  2. A work made of hanging scroll; ink and color on paper.
    Hibiscus and MagpiesBaiitsu Yamamoto, 1847Courtesy of the Art Institute of Chicago

Bay 2

  1. The image features a detailed black and white illustration with multiple human and animal figures in a symbolic arrangement. In the foreground, two full-body figures are depicted in long robes and sandals, positioned on either side of a large draped banner with text. One figure holds an open book. Above the banner are celestial figures in dynamic poses. To the left is a winged bull-like creature and a seated male figure with a beard, next to a female figure in classical attire. They are all surrounded by flowing fabric and a lion-like animal. In the lower center foreground, there is an emblem resembling a coat of arms with an eagle and a crowned shield. The background is textured, with no natural landscape or architecture present, allowing the figures to stand out. The illustration is framed by the margins of an open book.
    Title Page for Balthasar Cordier, Catena Sexaginta Qvinqve Graecorvm Patrvm in S. Lvcam...Cornelis Galle I, 1628Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington
  2. Screen (two-panel)
    Herons and Old WIllowKano Sadanobu, 1615-1868Courtesy of the National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution

Bay 3

  1. Hanging scroll (mounted on panel)
    Flowers, ducks, and other birdsLi Di, 15th-18th centuryCourtesy of the National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution
  2. A work made of oil on canvas.
    Dead Birds and Shot BagsPieter Boel, c. 1660Courtesy of the Art Institute of Chicago

Bay 4

  1. This is a drawing of an ornamental design featuring mythological creatures and motifs. The artwork depicts a symmetrical arrangement with two central figures holding musical instruments, surrounded by acanthus leaves, griffins, and sphinxes. In the upper portion, there is a winged figure with a crown-like headdress carrying symbols or trophies. The design is detailed with decorative elements including floral patterns and architectural motifs. Throughout the drawing, there are various mythological creatures integrated into the composition.
    Ornamental Panel Inscribed "Victoria Augusta"Giovanni Antonio da Brescia, c. 1516Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington
  2. This painting depicts a classical architectural scene with a bird and multiple individuals. It is done in the style of Jean-Baptiste Oudry. The image includes a large building with stone columns and stairs. A parrot is perched on a tree, catching attention with its colorful feathers. In the foreground, a person in classical clothing appears to be in motion. In the background, a group of people are gathered with varied expressions and gestures directed towards the person in the foreground. The architectural elements and foliage add depth and context to the scene.
    Les deux perroquets, le roi et son fils (Two Parrots, the King, and His Son)Antoine Radigues, published 1759Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington

Bay 5

  1. 1901-39-151-a: DEER HUNT WITH HOUNDS [ABOVE]; SKYLARK HUNT WITH FALCONS [BELOW]; 1901-39-151-b: GOOSE AND DUCK HUNT WITH FALCONS [ABOVE RIGHT]; GOOSE HUNT [BELOW RIGHT]
    Goose and Duck Hunt with Falcons [above right]; Goose Hunt [below right]Jan van der Straet, called Stradanus, ca. 1596-99Courtesy of Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum
  2. A pastel drawing of woman in blue and pink dress with blue parrot.
    A Young Lady with a ParrotRosalba Carriera, c. 1730Courtesy of the Art Institute of Chicago

Bay 6

  1. A work made of oil on canvas.
    The Bird CatcherThomas Couture, c. 1857Courtesy of the Art Institute of Chicago
  2. The Judgment of Paris: he is sitting at left with Venus, Juno and Pallas Athena, a winged victory above. In the upper section the Sun in his chariot preceeded by Castor and Pollux on horseback, at lower right two river gods and a naiad above whom Jupiter, an eagle, Ganymede, Diana and another goddess, by Marcantonio Raimondi, ca. 1510–20
    The Judgment of Paris: he is sitting at left with Venus, Juno and Pallas Athena, a winged victory above. In the upper section the Sun in his chariot preceeded by Castor and Pollux on horseback, at lower right two river gods and a naiad above whom Jupiter, an eagle, Ganymede, Diana and another goddessMarcantonio Raimondi, ca. 1510–20Courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Bay 7

  1. Kingfisher and Chinese Bellflowers, by Utagawa Hiroshige, early or mid-1830s
    Kingfisher and Chinese BellflowersUtagawa Hiroshige, early or mid-1830sCourtesy of the Cleveland Museum of Art
  2. Hooded Warblers, study for book Concealing Coloration in the Animal Kingdom, by Gladys Thayer, ca. 1900-1909
    Hooded Warblers, study for book Concealing Coloration in the Animal KingdomGladys Thayer, ca. 1900-1909Courtesy of the Smithsonian American Art Museum

Bay 8

  1. Hawk at sunrise, by Jeong Hong-Rae, second half 18th century–first half 19th century
    Hawk at sunriseJeong Hong-Rae, second half 18th century–first half 19th centuryCourtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art
  2. Birds and Flowers, by Kano Mitsunobu, late 1500s
    Birds and FlowersKano Mitsunobu, late 1500sCourtesy of the Cleveland Museum of Art