William Hayes.

Pheasant.

17 x 13 inches

A charming etching in original hand colour, drawn and engraved by William Hayes and published in London as part of his 'A Natural History of British Birds' in 1779.

Reminiscent stylistically to the work of fellow British ornithologist, George Edwards, this pheasant sits precariously upon a branch that enables us to get a full view of its magnificent tail. Wherever possible, Hayes drew his birds to life size. There is a naivety to his work that eludes later, more anatomically accurate, C19th ornithological studies. William Hayes (1729-99) lived and worked in London. When not producing wonderful prints of birds he was busy producing children: 21 in total! Many of them were apparently enlisted in the studio, often applying colour to the etched impressions. With so many mouths to feed, Hayes was always struggling financially and sough the patronage of wealthy benefactors such as the Earl of Sandwich and Sir Francis Child of Osterley Park (west London) in whose menagerie he was allowed free reign to illustrate the inmates.

£685