Birds in Art

A captivating visual exploration of birds and the natural world as seen through the eyes of artists across the globe and throughout history.

The natural beauty and diversity of birds have fascinated us for centuries. Since their first appearance in art in medieval manuscripts, birds have proved to be a popular and enduring subject for artists who have sought to capture the delicacy and majesty of these wondrous creatures.

This beautiful book brings together a collection of artworks depicting birds from the Renaissance to the present. Showcasing in range of media the forms, movement and colour of a variety of species, and imbued with symbolism, these works reveal how and why birds continue to captivate. Accompanied by insightful texts which highlight interesting facts and tap into concerns around climate change and biodiversity, this book is not only a delightful visual journey through the portrayal of birds in art, but also a pertinent reminder of our impact on the natural world.

Tim Batchelor is Assistant Curator at Tate Britain.