Pennant-Winged Night-Jar, Plate 5 from Birds of Western Africa
Classification
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Hamill and Barker
Accession Number
1961-105-163
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
This striking print, created by Scottish artist and engraver William Home Lizars in 1837, captures the Pennant-Winged Nightjar as Plate 5 in the volume *Birds of Western Africa*. Lizars, known for his meticulous work in natural history illustration, brought scientific precision to the page while highlighting the bird’s distinctive long, pennant-like wing feathers. Produced during a period of growing European fascination with African wildlife, the work reflects the era’s expanding exploration and the desire to document exotic species for both scientific study and public appreciation. As a prin...