Cattleya Orchid and Three Hummingbirds
1871 National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.
About this artwork
This oil on canvas painting depicts a delicate Cattleya orchid in the foreground with three hummingbirds and a nest in a lush, misty tropical jungle setting. It is one of many works Heade created based on his travels to Brazil and interest in natural history.
Did you know?
Martin Johnson Heade was fascinated by hummingbirds and visited Brazil in 1863, where he became obsessed with documenting the exotic avian life and flora. He originally intended to publish a book titled 'The Gems of Brazil', featuring illustrations of these birds, but although the project was never completed, it inspired his famous series of orchid and hummingbird paintings.
On your wall. Unlock the 4K download and keep this piece in your Vault — forever.
Know the artwork. Knowing its title and artist turns a beautiful image into a story worth sharing — with a museum label:
Cattleya Orchid and Three Hummingbirds
Martin Heade, 1871
