Pheasant

  • Phasianus Shawii. (1872)

    Phasianus Shawii. (1872)

    Joseph Smit (Dutch, 1836–1929)

    A pheasant perches on a branch, its iridescent plumage glowing against muted greens. The watercolor strokes capture each feather’s delicate texture, from the speckled breast to the long, tapered tail. This isn’t just a bird—it’s a meticulous study of light playing across living color.

  • Variations in Golden and Amherst Pheasant hybrids. (1918-1922)

    Variations in Golden and Amherst Pheasant hybrids. (1918-1922)

    Henrik Gronvold (Danish, unknown)

    Golden and Amherst pheasants intertwine in delicate watercolor strokes, their hybrid plumage a riot of iridescent hues. Each feather seems alive, shifting between copper, emerald, and sapphire under an unseen light. The birds’ postures suggest both tension and harmony—a fleeting balance between wild instinct and unnatural beauty.

  • Lady Amherst Pheasant (Chrysophus amherstiae). (1918-1922)

    Lady Amherst Pheasant (Chrysophus amherstiae). (1918-1922)

    Charles Robert Knight (American, 1874–1953)

    The Lady Amherst pheasant’s iridescent plumage shimmers—emerald, sapphire, and gold woven into a living tapestry. Its long tail feathers sweep the ground like a royal train, a silent spectacle of nature’s extravagance.

  • White Eared-Pheasant (Crossoptilon tibetanum). (1918-1922)

    White Eared-Pheasant (Crossoptilon tibetanum). (1918-1922)

    George Edward Lodge (English, unknown)

    The white eared-pheasant stands alert, its dark plumage stark against the muted background. Delicate watercolor strokes trace the bird’s ruffled feathers and crimson face, capturing its wild elegance. A quiet intensity lingers in its poised stance—a fleeting glimpse of untamed grace.

  • Reeves’s Pheasant (Syrmaticus reevesi). (1918-1922)

    Reeves’s Pheasant (Syrmaticus reevesi). (1918-1922)

    Charles Robert Knight (American, 1874–1953)

    A pheasant’s long, barred tail feathers fan out like a painter’s brushstroke, its golden plumage glowing against muted greens. The bird stands alert, head tilted—caught mid-motion, as if about to step beyond the page.