A Bird Perched on a Branch with Fruit

The detailed drawing, "A Bird Perched on a Branch with Fruit" by Andrea Mantegna, dates to approximately 1460. This exquisite example of Quattrocento draftsmanship was executed using pen and brown ink on laid paper. Mantegna, a towering figure in the Italian Renaissance, created this work during a crucial phase of his career, placing it squarely within the artistic flourishing of the 1401 to 1500 period.

The subject depicts a small bird resting amidst foliage heavy with fruit. Mantegna’s mastery of line is evident in the precise, controlled cross-hatching and delicate contouring that gives the subject volume and texture. Unlike some of his grand fresco projects, this intimate drawing showcases his intense focus on natural observation, characteristic of Renaissance artists who sought to render the natural world with scientific accuracy. The medium, simple brown ink, emphasizes the clarity of his compositional structure and the subtle variations in light and shadow achieved solely through the density of line work.

Classified specifically as a drawing, the work is a significant representation of Mantegna’s graphic output. The artist’s commitment to classical form and meticulous rendering, even in small, focused studies like this one, profoundly influenced subsequent generations of Italian artists. This historically important piece is now housed in the collection of the National Gallery of Art (NGA), Washington D.C. As a result of its age and established provenance, high-quality digital reproductions and prints of this drawing are frequently available in the public domain for educational research and study, allowing for wide access to Mantegna's technical brilliance.