"The Bird To Others Flew"
Medium
Pen and ink on cardboard
Dimensions
sheet: 19 3/8 x 15 in. (49.2 x 38.1 cm)
Classification
Drawings
Department
Drawings and Prints
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
H. O. Havemeyer Collection, Bequest of Mrs. H. O. Havemeyer, 1929
Accession Number
29.100.927
Tags
Art Historical Context
Edwin Austin Abbey, a leading American illustrator of the late 19th century, created *The Bird To Others F* in 1887 using pen and ink on cardboard modest yet versatile medium favored by illustrators for its portability and absorbency. Measuring 19 3/8 x 15 inches, this drawing exemplifies Abbey's mastery of fine line work, hatching, and cross-hatching techniques, which brought depth and texture to his compositions. Influenced by Pre-Raphaelite precision and Victorian narrative art, Abbey often drew from literature and poetry, and the evocative title hints at a poignant, perhaps allegorical mom...
About the Artist
Edwin Austin Abbey · 1852–1911
Abbey was one of the leading illustrators during the last quarter of the 19th century. He specialized in illustrating poems and historic novels, including the works of Shakespeare, Pope, and Goldsmith. American illustrator and mural painter. Comment on works: illustrations