Bittern's Wings: study showing both sides

The remarkable observational study, Bittern's Wings: study showing both sides, was created by the German Renaissance master Albrecht Dürer in 1515. Executed with astonishing precision in watercolor on vellum, this intimate work is classified as a drawing, reflecting Dürer’s intense, quasi-scientific interest in natural history. The piece presents a hyper-realistic, anatomical view of the wing of a bittern, a large wading bird, meticulously detailing the complexity of its feathers and underlying structure. The use of vellum—prepared animal skin—allowed Dürer to achieve an exceptional smoothness and luminous quality, which enhanced the fine textures and subtle color gradients across the avian anatomy, distinct from studies made on standard paper.

Dürer produced numerous natural history studies throughout the 1510s, which often served as reference material for his influential commissioned paintings and prints. This specific study emphasizes meticulous scientific observation, capturing the distinct patterns and subtle color shifts of the feathers. By illustrating both the upper and lower surfaces of the wing in a single composition, Dürer provided a comprehensive, almost encyclopedic record, moving beyond simple artistic representation toward documented fact. This dedication to detailed realism contributed significantly to the widespread influence of his works across Northern Europe.

The importance and delicate condition of the drawing necessitated its careful preservation, and the work is currently housed in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met). Although unique watercolors like this are rare, Dürer's observational rigor ensured that his detailed natural images became widely influential, often through the subsequent distribution of his prints. Many similar Dürer drawings from this period, now securely in the public domain, continue to be celebrated as cornerstones of the Northern Renaissance.