Home > Europe > United Kingdom > England > London > Museums > Design Museum
Passenger pigeon design
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Passenger pigeon design
Drawing by Alfred Waterhouse for the ornamentation of the Natural History Museum, London, 1875-1876. Waterhouse designed the museum in the 1860s, and it first opened its doors on Easter Monday 1881
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 8613065
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10709017
Alfred Waterhouse Caenophidia Cobra Diapsid Diapsida Elapid Elapidae Lepidosaur Lepidosauria Naja Ophidia Plan Reptile Reptiles Reptilia Sauropsid Sauropsida Scaled Reptile Serpentes Snake Squamata
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Animals
> Birds
> Columbiformes
> Pigeons
> Passenger Pigeon
> Animals
> Birds
> Columbiformes
> Pigeons
> Scaled Pigeon
> Animals
> Reptiles
> Snakes
> Cobra
> Related Images
> Arts
> Artists
> D
> Alfred
> Related Images
> Arts
> Artists
> W
> Alfred Waterhouse
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Museums
> Design Museum
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Museums
> Natural History Museum
EDITORS COMMENTS
1. Title: "A Nineteenth Century Ode to Extinction: Alfred Waterhouse's Passenger Pigeon and Cobra Design for the Natural History Museum, London" In the grand halls of the Natural History Museum in London, Alfred Waterhouse's intricate designs continue to captivate and inspire visitors. Among these masterpieces is a remarkable drawing of a Passenger Pigeon and a Cobra, created for the museum's ornamentation between 1875 and 1876. As the architect of the museum in the 1860s, Waterhouse's vision extended beyond the building's structure. His passion for natural history is evident in this exquisite illustration, which showcases two distinct species from different classes of the animal kingdom: the Passenger Pigeon (Reptilia, Squamata, Serpentes, Ophidia, Elapidae, Lepidopisida, Elapid, Lepidosaur) and the Cobra (Reptilia, Sauropsida, Reptilia, Squamata, Serpentes, Ophidia, Elapidae, Diapsida, Lepidosauria, Elapid, Lepidosaur). The Passenger Pigeon, once the most abundant bird species in North America, is depicted with its wings spread wide, symbolizing the vast numbers that once filled the skies. Tragically, this species was driven to extinction by overhunting in the late 19th century. The Cobra, a venomous snake from the Elapidae family, is coiled menacingly, its hood partially open, displaying its distinctive triangular head and distinctive patterned scales. Waterhouse's drawing is a testament to the natural world's beauty and diversity, as well as a poignant reminder of the consequences of human actions. The Passenger Pigeon's extinction serves as a stark reminder of the importance of conservation efforts, while the Cobra's presence highlights the intricate relationship between reptiles and their environment. This illustration, with its intricate details and rich symbolism, continues to inspire awe and admiration, making it a cherished part of the Natural History Museum's collection.
MADE IN AUSTRALIA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.