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<em>Reflections</em> by Richard Stade

Reflections by Richard Stade

 Published: June 2009 Format: 8" x 10" Copyright 2008 by Richard Stade .
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  • 1. Gustave Courbert - Jo, la Belle Irlandaise Artist: Gustave Courbet ( French,1819-1877) Title: Jo, La Belle Irlandaise (1865-1866) Ownership: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York Media: Oil on Canvas Comments: During his three-month stay in Trouville in 1865, Courbet attracted a following as a portraitist among the society women at this fashionable resort on the Normandy coast. He possibly encountered Joanna Hiffernan (born 1842/43), a "beautiful Irishwoman," through his acquaintance with fellow artist James McNeill Whistler, who was also working in Trouville in 1865. This image of Jo, Whistler's mistress and model, although dated 1866, was likely painted in 1865, when Courbet wrote of "the beauty of a superb redhead whose portrait I have begun." He would paint three repetitions with minor variations.(1) Photo Copyright: The Metropolitan Museum of Art 2. Yellow-crowned Night-Heron Nyctanassa violacea Size: L 24” WS 42” WT 1.5 lb Location (date): Texas (July) Media: Digital Photograph Comments: This species most often inhabits forested wetlands, swamps, and bayous of the deep south where poor lighting seems to be the most reliable characteristic of its breeding sites. Because Yellow-crowned Night-Herons are dark bodied and nest under canopy in forested areas, aerial surveys are ineffective in determining population status and because colonies are small and scattered, ground surveys are economically unfeasible. Yellow-crowned Night-Herons are frequently not listed at all in results of broad surveys for wading birds.(2) Photo Copyright: Richard Stade (2009)

    1. Gustave Courbert - Jo, la Belle Irlandaise Artist: Gustave Courbet ( French,1819-1877) Title: Jo, La Belle Irlandaise (1865-1866) Ownership: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York Media: Oil on Canvas Comments: During his three-month stay in Trouville in 1865, Courbet attracted a following as a portraitist among the society women at this fashionable resort on the Normandy coast. He possibly encountered Joanna Hiffernan (born 1842/43), a "beautiful Irishwoman," through his acquaintance with fellow artist James McNeill Whistler, who was also working in Trouville in 1865. This image of Jo, Whistler's mistress and model, although dated 1866, was likely painted in 1865, when Courbet wrote of "the beauty of a superb redhead whose portrait I have begun." He would paint three repetitions with minor variations.(1) Photo Copyright: The Metropolitan Museum of Art 2. Yellow-crowned Night-Heron Nyctanassa violacea Size: L 24” WS 42” WT 1.5 lb Location (date): Texas (July) Media: Digital Photograph Comments: This species most often inhabits forested wetlands, swamps, and bayous of the deep south where poor lighting seems to be the most reliable characteristic of its breeding sites. Because Yellow-crowned Night-Herons are dark bodied and nest under canopy in forested areas, aerial surveys are ineffective in determining population status and because colonies are small and scattered, ground surveys are economically unfeasible. Yellow-crowned Night-Herons are frequently not listed at all in results of broad surveys for wading birds.(2) Photo Copyright: Richard Stade (2009)

  • 3. John White Alexander – James McNeill Whistler Artist: John White Alexander (American, 1856-1915) Title: James McNeill Whistler Ownership: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York Media: Charcoal on paper Comments: John White Alexander travelled to Italy in 1879 where he met and formed friendships with James McNeill Whistler and Henry James. Undoubtedly, Alexander benefited greatly from his acquiantence with Whistler. Following his return to New York in 1881, “Alexander's paintings showed the Whistler influence especially with the use of a limited palette and evocative mood” (University of Glasgow). Whistler had a distinctive appearance, short and slight, with piercing eyes and a curling moustache, often sporting a monocle and the flashy attire of a dandy. He affected a posture of self-confidence and eccentricity. He was often arrogant and selfish toward friends and patrons.(3) Photo Copyright: The Metropolitan Museum of Art 4. Little Blue Heron Egretta caerulea Size: L 26” WS 23” WT 13 oz Location (date): Texas (March) Media: Digital Photograph Comments: Little Blue Herons winter along the U.S. Gulf Coast and in Mexico and breed in the SE U.S. through Texas. They are often overlooked in wetland environments because of their dark adult plumage and somewhat secretive and solitary feeding habits. Photo Copyright: Richard Stade (2009)

    3. John White Alexander – James McNeill Whistler Artist: John White Alexander (American, 1856-1915) Title: James McNeill Whistler Ownership: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York Media: Charcoal on paper Comments: John White Alexander travelled to Italy in 1879 where he met and formed friendships with James McNeill Whistler and Henry James. Undoubtedly, Alexander benefited greatly from his acquiantence with Whistler. Following his return to New York in 1881, “Alexander's paintings showed the Whistler influence especially with the use of a limited palette and evocative mood” (University of Glasgow). Whistler had a distinctive appearance, short and slight, with piercing eyes and a curling moustache, often sporting a monocle and the flashy attire of a dandy. He affected a posture of self-confidence and eccentricity. He was often arrogant and selfish toward friends and patrons.(3) Photo Copyright: The Metropolitan Museum of Art 4. Little Blue Heron Egretta caerulea Size: L 26” WS 23” WT 13 oz Location (date): Texas (March) Media: Digital Photograph Comments: Little Blue Herons winter along the U.S. Gulf Coast and in Mexico and breed in the SE U.S. through Texas. They are often overlooked in wetland environments because of their dark adult plumage and somewhat secretive and solitary feeding habits. Photo Copyright: Richard Stade (2009)

  • 5. John White Alexander – Repose Artist: John White Alexander (American, 1856-1915) Title: Repose (1895) Ownership: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York Media: Oil on Canvas Comments: Alexander gained international success in the 1890s with his portrayals of idealized women in elegant interiors. Here, the figure's provocative expression and supple curves reflect the contemporary French taste for images of sensuous females and for the undulating linear rhythms of Art Nouveau.(4) Photo Copyright: The Metropolitan Museum of Art 6. White-winged Dove Zenaida asiatica Size: L 11.5” WS 19” WT 5 oz Location (date): Texas (July) Media: Digital Photograph Comments: Adult White-winged Doves sleep 10-20% of the time during the day and the young probably sleep even more. Juveniles are less wary than adults, sometimes to their detriment. This juvenile began periodically sleeping on a very busy bird feeder until numerous protests and disturbances by other birds prompted a change in this behavior. Photo Copyright: Richard Stade (2009)

    5. John White Alexander – Repose Artist: John White Alexander (American, 1856-1915) Title: Repose (1895) Ownership: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York Media: Oil on Canvas Comments: Alexander gained international success in the 1890s with his portrayals of idealized women in elegant interiors. Here, the figure's provocative expression and supple curves reflect the contemporary French taste for images of sensuous females and for the undulating linear rhythms of Art Nouveau.(4) Photo Copyright: The Metropolitan Museum of Art 6. White-winged Dove Zenaida asiatica Size: L 11.5” WS 19” WT 5 oz Location (date): Texas (July) Media: Digital Photograph Comments: Adult White-winged Doves sleep 10-20% of the time during the day and the young probably sleep even more. Juveniles are less wary than adults, sometimes to their detriment. This juvenile began periodically sleeping on a very busy bird feeder until numerous protests and disturbances by other birds prompted a change in this behavior. Photo Copyright: Richard Stade (2009)

  • 7. The Three Tenors (Plácido Domingo, José Carreras and Luciano Pavarotti) in concert Artist: Plácido Domingo, José Carreras and Luciano Pavarotti (aka The Three Tenors) Title: Three Tenors Live In Tokyo (1996) Media: Photograph of Live Performance Photo Copyright: Reuters 8. American Robin chicks Turdus migratorius Size (adult): L 10” WS 17” WT 2.7 oz Location (date): Texas (May) Media: Digital Photograph Comments: The American Robin is the largest, most abundant, and most widespread North American thrush. The presence of this rather tame songster in the backyard setting, together with its loud and musical voice, makes it one of the most easily recognizable birds in North America. Most people know the robin as a breeding bird of suburbs and farmland, where it forages in moist grass, often tugging at worms on garden lawns, and nests in shade trees. This nest was photographed in an urban backyard.(5) Photo Copyright: Richard Stade (2009)

    7. The Three Tenors (Plácido Domingo, José Carreras and Luciano Pavarotti) in concert Artist: Plácido Domingo, José Carreras and Luciano Pavarotti (aka The Three Tenors) Title: Three Tenors Live In Tokyo (1996) Media: Photograph of Live Performance Photo Copyright: Reuters 8. American Robin chicks Turdus migratorius Size (adult): L 10” WS 17” WT 2.7 oz Location (date): Texas (May) Media: Digital Photograph Comments: The American Robin is the largest, most abundant, and most widespread North American thrush. The presence of this rather tame songster in the backyard setting, together with its loud and musical voice, makes it one of the most easily recognizable birds in North America. Most people know the robin as a breeding bird of suburbs and farmland, where it forages in moist grass, often tugging at worms on garden lawns, and nests in shade trees. This nest was photographed in an urban backyard.(5) Photo Copyright: Richard Stade (2009)

  • 9. Pablo Picasso – Mother and Infant Artist: Pablo Picaso (Spanish, 1881-1973) Title: Mother and Infant (1905) Ownership: Private Collection – Paris Media: Gouache Photo Copyright: Estate of Pablo Picasso/Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York 10. American Robin Turdus migratorius Size: L 10” WS 17” WT 2.7 oz Location (date): Texas (May) Media: Digital Photograph Photo Copyright: Richard Stade (2009)

    9. Pablo Picasso – Mother and Infant Artist: Pablo Picaso (Spanish, 1881-1973) Title: Mother and Infant (1905) Ownership: Private Collection – Paris Media: Gouache Photo Copyright: Estate of Pablo Picasso/Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York 10. American Robin Turdus migratorius Size: L 10” WS 17” WT 2.7 oz Location (date): Texas (May) Media: Digital Photograph Photo Copyright: Richard Stade (2009)

  • 11. John Singer Sargent – Madame X Artist: John Singer Sargent (American, 1856-1925) Title: Madame X (1883-1884) Ownership: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York Media: Oil on Canvas Comments: Virginie Avegno (1859–1915) was born in Louisiana, the daughter of Major Anatole Avegno of New Orleans, a gentleman whose family had emigrated from Camogli, Italy, and Marie Virginie de Ternant of Parlange Plantation, Louisiana. After Major Avegno died of wounds suffered at the Battle of Shiloh, Mrs. Avegno took her daughters to Paris. There Virginie became a celebrated beauty and married Pierre Gautreau, a Parisian banker. Sargent probably met her in 1881. In 1882, he wrote of wanting to paint her portrait. He worked on the portrait at the Gautreau's summer home in Brittany in 1883, but he had difficulty finding a suitable pose and perspective. The portrait as finally executed was exhibited at the Paris Salon of 1884 as "Portrait de Mme ***" and created a scandal. Sargent considered it one of his best works. (6) Photo Copyright: The Metropolitan Museum of Art Great Egret Ardea alba Size: L 39” WS 51” WT 1.9 oz m>f Location (date): Texas (May) Media: Digital Photograph Comments: Great Egrets were hunted to near extinction by feather hunters for the millinery trade in the early 20th century. Public outrage led to the formation of environmental groups and laws protecting these and other birds. One of these environmental groups, the National Audubon Society, adopted the Great Egret as its symbol. Photo Copyright: Richard Stade (2009)

    11. John Singer Sargent – Madame X Artist: John Singer Sargent (American, 1856-1925) Title: Madame X (1883-1884) Ownership: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York Media: Oil on Canvas Comments: Virginie Avegno (1859–1915) was born in Louisiana, the daughter of Major Anatole Avegno of New Orleans, a gentleman whose family had emigrated from Camogli, Italy, and Marie Virginie de Ternant of Parlange Plantation, Louisiana. After Major Avegno died of wounds suffered at the Battle of Shiloh, Mrs. Avegno took her daughters to Paris. There Virginie became a celebrated beauty and married Pierre Gautreau, a Parisian banker. Sargent probably met her in 1881. In 1882, he wrote of wanting to paint her portrait. He worked on the portrait at the Gautreau's summer home in Brittany in 1883, but he had difficulty finding a suitable pose and perspective. The portrait as finally executed was exhibited at the Paris Salon of 1884 as "Portrait de Mme ***" and created a scandal. Sargent considered it one of his best works. (6) Photo Copyright: The Metropolitan Museum of Art Great Egret Ardea alba Size: L 39” WS 51” WT 1.9 oz m>f Location (date): Texas (May) Media: Digital Photograph Comments: Great Egrets were hunted to near extinction by feather hunters for the millinery trade in the early 20th century. Public outrage led to the formation of environmental groups and laws protecting these and other birds. One of these environmental groups, the National Audubon Society, adopted the Great Egret as its symbol. Photo Copyright: Richard Stade (2009)

  • 13. Gustave Courbet – Proudhon Artist: Gustave Courbet ( French,1819-1877) Title: Mme. Proudhon (1865) Ownership: Musee D’Orsay, Paris Media: Oil on Canvas Comments: Mme Proudhon was the wife of radical thinker Pierre-Paul Proudhon who worked closely with Courbet influenced his thinking and helped bring Courbet to intellectual maturity. While there was mutual respect between the Proudhon’s and Courbet there is little evidence that the relationship included true friendship. (7) Photo Copyright: Musée D’Orsay 14. Black-bellied Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna autumnalis Size: L 21” WS 30” WT 1.8 lb Location (date): Texas (May) Media: Digital Photograph Comments: The Black-bellied Whistling-Duck is a highly gregarious neotropical duck that is restricted to the New World. Distinguished from all other whistling-ducks by its red bill, pink feet, and white wing-patch. It is vocal in flight, often repeating a whistling pe-che-che-ne. In North America, this species breeds mainly along coastal regions of Mexico and southern Texas.(8) Photo Copyright: Richard Stade (2009)

    13. Gustave Courbet – Proudhon Artist: Gustave Courbet ( French,1819-1877) Title: Mme. Proudhon (1865) Ownership: Musee D’Orsay, Paris Media: Oil on Canvas Comments: Mme Proudhon was the wife of radical thinker Pierre-Paul Proudhon who worked closely with Courbet influenced his thinking and helped bring Courbet to intellectual maturity. While there was mutual respect between the Proudhon’s and Courbet there is little evidence that the relationship included true friendship. (7) Photo Copyright: Musée D’Orsay 14. Black-bellied Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna autumnalis Size: L 21” WS 30” WT 1.8 lb Location (date): Texas (May) Media: Digital Photograph Comments: The Black-bellied Whistling-Duck is a highly gregarious neotropical duck that is restricted to the New World. Distinguished from all other whistling-ducks by its red bill, pink feet, and white wing-patch. It is vocal in flight, often repeating a whistling pe-che-che-ne. In North America, this species breeds mainly along coastal regions of Mexico and southern Texas.(8) Photo Copyright: Richard Stade (2009)

  • 15. Edward Steichen – J.P. Morgan Artist: Edward Steichen ( American born Luxembourg,1879-1973) Title: J.Pierpont Morgan (1903) Ownership: Chrysler Museum of Art, Metropolitan Museum of Art, and others Media: Photograph, Gelatin-Silver Print Comments: J. P. Morgan became one of the wealthiest men in the world by consolidating small electric companies into the General Electric Corporation and combining many steel manufactures into The United States Steel Corporation. he had a formidable physical presence, dominating personality, and was a coldly rational man. J.P morgan supposedly allowed only two minutes for a photographer to take his picture which was to be used by a portrait artist. Edward Steichen took this and one other picture in the reported two minutes. Justly famous for catching light to make the arm of the chair look like a knife in Morgan’s hand it is equally suuccessful at capturing the character of J.P. Morgan. Photo Copyright: Chrysler Museum of Art 16. Eastern Screech Owl Megascops asio Size: L 8.5” ...... WS 20” ...... WT 6 oz Location (date): Texas (June) Media: Digital Photograph Eastern Screech Owls are quite small and strictly nocturnal. They roost during the day and rely on camouflage as a form of defence, only fleeing at the last moment when the perceived threat is very close. These birds adapt to a wide variety of wooded settings with the only critical requirement being a place to nest which can include nest boxes. Photo Copyright: Richard Stade (2009)

    15. Edward Steichen – J.P. Morgan Artist: Edward Steichen ( American born Luxembourg,1879-1973) Title: J.Pierpont Morgan (1903) Ownership: Chrysler Museum of Art, Metropolitan Museum of Art, and others Media: Photograph, Gelatin-Silver Print Comments: J. P. Morgan became one of the wealthiest men in the world by consolidating small electric companies into the General Electric Corporation and combining many steel manufactures into The United States Steel Corporation. he had a formidable physical presence, dominating personality, and was a coldly rational man. J.P morgan supposedly allowed only two minutes for a photographer to take his picture which was to be used by a portrait artist. Edward Steichen took this and one other picture in the reported two minutes. Justly famous for catching light to make the arm of the chair look like a knife in Morgan’s hand it is equally suuccessful at capturing the character of J.P. Morgan. Photo Copyright: Chrysler Museum of Art 16. Eastern Screech Owl Megascops asio Size: L 8.5” ...... WS 20” ...... WT 6 oz Location (date): Texas (June) Media: Digital Photograph Eastern Screech Owls are quite small and strictly nocturnal. They roost during the day and rely on camouflage as a form of defence, only fleeing at the last moment when the perceived threat is very close. These birds adapt to a wide variety of wooded settings with the only critical requirement being a place to nest which can include nest boxes. Photo Copyright: Richard Stade (2009)

  • 17. Marianela Nuñez in Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake Artist: Marianela Nuñez in Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake Performance: Royal Ballet (London), Choregraphers: Marius Petipa & Lev Ivanov Media: Ballet (photgraph) Comments: Swan Lake was first performed in 1877 in Moscow. The Petipa/Ivanov version of Swan Lake that we consider the "standard" today was in fact created in 1895 after Tchaikovsky’s death and was greatly altered from the original concept. The legend of the Swan-Maiden goes back for centuries, appearing in differing forms in both eastern and western literature. Women who turn into birds and vice versa were popular themes, and the swan was particularly favored due to its grace when swimming in the water. The ancient Greeks considered the swan be to the bird closest to the Muses. When Apollo was born at Delos, the event was celebrated by flights of circling swans.(9) Photo Copyright: Royal Ballet 18. Great Egret Ardea alba Size: L 39” WS 51” WT 1.9 oz m>f Location (date): Texas (May) Media: Digital Photograph Comments: Great Egrets inhabit diverse wetland settings, including small ponds, large lakes, estuaries, and tidal basins. They feed by foraging, primarily by walking slowly through the water and quickly striking with their bill. They also will regularly stand near or over the water and wait for prey. Occasionally, they will, as seen here, grab prey from flight. Photo Copyright: Richard Stade (2009)

    17. Marianela Nuñez in Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake Artist: Marianela Nuñez in Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake Performance: Royal Ballet (London), Choregraphers: Marius Petipa & Lev Ivanov Media: Ballet (photgraph) Comments: Swan Lake was first performed in 1877 in Moscow. The Petipa/Ivanov version of Swan Lake that we consider the "standard" today was in fact created in 1895 after Tchaikovsky’s death and was greatly altered from the original concept. The legend of the Swan-Maiden goes back for centuries, appearing in differing forms in both eastern and western literature. Women who turn into birds and vice versa were popular themes, and the swan was particularly favored due to its grace when swimming in the water. The ancient Greeks considered the swan be to the bird closest to the Muses. When Apollo was born at Delos, the event was celebrated by flights of circling swans.(9) Photo Copyright: Royal Ballet 18. Great Egret Ardea alba Size: L 39” WS 51” WT 1.9 oz m>f Location (date): Texas (May) Media: Digital Photograph Comments: Great Egrets inhabit diverse wetland settings, including small ponds, large lakes, estuaries, and tidal basins. They feed by foraging, primarily by walking slowly through the water and quickly striking with their bill. They also will regularly stand near or over the water and wait for prey. Occasionally, they will, as seen here, grab prey from flight. Photo Copyright: Richard Stade (2009)

  • 19. Pastor Fr. John S. Breslin preaching at St. Ailbe Catholic Church in Chicago, IL Artist: Pastor Fr. John S. Breslin Title: Not Titled Media: Church Service (photograph) Comments: While he is not African American, nor from the South, his preaching style is reminiscent of a Black southern preacher. He grabs the congregation's attention with humorous story telling, vivid oration and call and response techniques. He even occasionally slips into "Black" vernacular. He has encouraged the choirs, who primarily were restricted to textbook Catholic hymns, to expand their repertoire with old gospel standards and cutting edge urban contemporary Christian music.(10),/h3> Photo Copyright: St. Ailbe Catholic Church 20. Yellow-crowned Night-Heron Nyctanassa violacea Size: L 24” WS 42” WT 1.5 lb Location (date): Texas (July) Media: Digital Photograph Comments: Numerous species of birds sun and adopt quite varied positions in doing so. There is is little experimental data to establish the function of sunning but some suggested purposes include keeping the feathers supple through limited heating, harming or repositioning parasites, saving energy by taking up solar heat and simply doing it because it feels good. A number of large water birds stand for many minutes with their wings extended in a pose known as “spead-wing posture”. This type of sunning is most certainly done to help dry the feathers and to increase body heat.(11) Photo Copyright: Richard Stade (2009)

    19. Pastor Fr. John S. Breslin preaching at St. Ailbe Catholic Church in Chicago, IL Artist: Pastor Fr. John S. Breslin Title: Not Titled Media: Church Service (photograph) Comments: While he is not African American, nor from the South, his preaching style is reminiscent of a Black southern preacher. He grabs the congregation's attention with humorous story telling, vivid oration and call and response techniques. He even occasionally slips into "Black" vernacular. He has encouraged the choirs, who primarily were restricted to textbook Catholic hymns, to expand their repertoire with old gospel standards and cutting edge urban contemporary Christian music.(10),/h3> Photo Copyright: St. Ailbe Catholic Church 20. Yellow-crowned Night-Heron Nyctanassa violacea Size: L 24” WS 42” WT 1.5 lb Location (date): Texas (July) Media: Digital Photograph Comments: Numerous species of birds sun and adopt quite varied positions in doing so. There is is little experimental data to establish the function of sunning but some suggested purposes include keeping the feathers supple through limited heating, harming or repositioning parasites, saving energy by taking up solar heat and simply doing it because it feels good. A number of large water birds stand for many minutes with their wings extended in a pose known as “spead-wing posture”. This type of sunning is most certainly done to help dry the feathers and to increase body heat.(11) Photo Copyright: Richard Stade (2009)

  • 21. Staue on Easter Island Artist: Islanders on Easter Island (disputed, estimates ranging from 400 CE to 1500–1700 CE) Title: Moai Media: Stone Comments: On the remote South Pacific island Easter Island archaeologists have inventoried 887 carved figures made between about A.D. 1000 and 1600. These big busts, called moai, are an average of 13 feet tall and are known to islanders as the "living faces" and represent ancestors and elders. To outsiders they are fascinating in their abstract, intense, thoughtful and interrogative look in this place of preternatural lonesomeness.(12) Photo Copyright: none: 22. White Ibis Eudocimus albus Size: L 25” WS 38” WT 2 lb m>f Location (date): Texas (Jan) Media: Digital Photograph Comments: The White Ibis is a striking white wading bird with a long, distinctively decurved bill. Photo Copyright: Richard Stade (2009)

    21. Staue on Easter Island Artist: Islanders on Easter Island (disputed, estimates ranging from 400 CE to 1500–1700 CE) Title: Moai Media: Stone Comments: On the remote South Pacific island Easter Island archaeologists have inventoried 887 carved figures made between about A.D. 1000 and 1600. These big busts, called moai, are an average of 13 feet tall and are known to islanders as the "living faces" and represent ancestors and elders. To outsiders they are fascinating in their abstract, intense, thoughtful and interrogative look in this place of preternatural lonesomeness.(12) Photo Copyright: none: 22. White Ibis Eudocimus albus Size: L 25” WS 38” WT 2 lb m>f Location (date): Texas (Jan) Media: Digital Photograph Comments: The White Ibis is a striking white wading bird with a long, distinctively decurved bill. Photo Copyright: Richard Stade (2009)

  • 23. Jan Vermeer – Officer and Laughing Girl Artist: Johannes (Jan) Vermeer (1632-1675) Title: Officer and Laughing Girl (ca. 1657) Media: oil on canvas Comments: In what may be one of the first works of his mature style, Vermeer transforms the theme of a girl entertaining her suitor, already popular in Dutch art, into a dazzling study of light-filled space. The dark foil of the officer’s silhouette dramatizes both the illusion of depth and the brilliant play of light over the woman and the furnishings of the chamber.(13) Photo Copyright: The Frick Collection 24. Pied-billed Grebes Podilymbus podiceps Size: L 13” WS 16” WT 1 lb Location (date): Texas (March) Media: Digital Photograph Comments: The Pied-biled Grebe takes most food by diving either in open water or among aquatic vegetation. This pair was diving for food, staying submerged for 1-2 minutes and then returning to the surface before diving again. About every five minutes both would surface and “chat” to each other before resuming diving. Photo Copyright: Richard Stade (2009)

    23. Jan Vermeer – Officer and Laughing Girl Artist: Johannes (Jan) Vermeer (1632-1675) Title: Officer and Laughing Girl (ca. 1657) Media: oil on canvas Comments: In what may be one of the first works of his mature style, Vermeer transforms the theme of a girl entertaining her suitor, already popular in Dutch art, into a dazzling study of light-filled space. The dark foil of the officer’s silhouette dramatizes both the illusion of depth and the brilliant play of light over the woman and the furnishings of the chamber.(13) Photo Copyright: The Frick Collection 24. Pied-billed Grebes Podilymbus podiceps Size: L 13” WS 16” WT 1 lb Location (date): Texas (March) Media: Digital Photograph Comments: The Pied-biled Grebe takes most food by diving either in open water or among aquatic vegetation. This pair was diving for food, staying submerged for 1-2 minutes and then returning to the surface before diving again. About every five minutes both would surface and “chat” to each other before resuming diving. Photo Copyright: Richard Stade (2009)

  • 25. Irving Penn – Jean Cocteau (1948) Artist: Irving Penn (1917- ) Title: Jean Cocteau (1948) Media: platinum-paldium print Comments: Penn made this portrait of Jean Cocteau during a 1948 trip to Paris for Vogue. Each thread of Cocteau's tie, vest, and suit is etched in light and shadow; the patterns and the texture pop out in vivid, tactile detail. The drape of his coat over an extended arm adds drama and balance to the composition. Cocteau is dressed in the sartorial attire of a dandy, which, by all accounts, he was. There is an air of flamboyance about him, until you look at his face. His dead-serious expression registers the fierce intelligence of a keen observer, as if he is taking our measure while deigning to allow us to take his photograph.(14) Photo Copyright: 1949 by The Condé Nast Publications Inc. 26. Steller’s Jay Cyanocitta stelleri/ Size: L 11” WS 16” WT 3 oz Location (date): Colorado (Jan) Media: Digital Photograph Comments: Habituating readily to humans, Steller’s Jays are well-known bird at feeders, picnic areas, and campgrounds, where their loud, often raucous, calls announce their presence. The species has been the focus of detailed behavioral studies, revealing complex social behavior and vocal communications. Steller’s Jays show site-centered dominance, which is thought to be intermediate between territorial and colonial social behavior. (15) Photo Copyright: Richard Stade (2009)

    25. Irving Penn – Jean Cocteau (1948) Artist: Irving Penn (1917- ) Title: Jean Cocteau (1948) Media: platinum-paldium print Comments: Penn made this portrait of Jean Cocteau during a 1948 trip to Paris for Vogue. Each thread of Cocteau's tie, vest, and suit is etched in light and shadow; the patterns and the texture pop out in vivid, tactile detail. The drape of his coat over an extended arm adds drama and balance to the composition. Cocteau is dressed in the sartorial attire of a dandy, which, by all accounts, he was. There is an air of flamboyance about him, until you look at his face. His dead-serious expression registers the fierce intelligence of a keen observer, as if he is taking our measure while deigning to allow us to take his photograph.(14) Photo Copyright: 1949 by The Condé Nast Publications Inc. 26. Steller’s Jay Cyanocitta stelleri/ Size: L 11” WS 16” WT 3 oz Location (date): Colorado (Jan) Media: Digital Photograph Comments: Habituating readily to humans, Steller’s Jays are well-known bird at feeders, picnic areas, and campgrounds, where their loud, often raucous, calls announce their presence. The species has been the focus of detailed behavioral studies, revealing complex social behavior and vocal communications. Steller’s Jays show site-centered dominance, which is thought to be intermediate between territorial and colonial social behavior. (15) Photo Copyright: Richard Stade (2009)

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    Introduction.jpg
    1. Gustave Courbert - Jo, la Belle Irlandaise Artist: Gustave Courbet ( French,1819-1877) Title: Jo, La Belle Irlandaise (1865-1866) Ownership: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York Media: Oil on Canvas Comments: During his three-month stay in Trouville in 1865, Courbet attracted a following as a portraitist among the society women at this fashionable resort on the Normandy coast. He possibly encountered Joanna Hiffernan (born 1842/43), a "beautiful Irishwoman," through his acquaintance with fellow artist James McNeill Whistler, who was also working in Trouville in 1865. This image of Jo, Whistler's mistress and model, although dated 1866, was likely painted in 1865, when Courbet wrote of "the beauty of a superb redhead whose portrait I have begun." He would paint three repetitions with minor variations.(1) Photo Copyright: The Metropolitan Museum of Art 2. Yellow-crowned Night-Heron Nyctanassa violacea Size: L 24” WS 42” WT 1.5 lb Location (date): Texas (July) Media: Digital Photograph Comments: This species most often inhabits forested wetlands, swamps, and bayous of the deep south where poor lighting seems to be the most reliable characteristic of its breeding sites. Because Yellow-crowned Night-Herons are dark bodied and nest under canopy in forested areas, aerial surveys are ineffective in determining population status and because colonies are small and scattered, ground surveys are economically unfeasible. Yellow-crowned Night-Herons are frequently not listed at all in results of broad surveys for wading birds.(2) Photo Copyright: Richard Stade (2009)