The Crested Flycatcher (Muscicapa cristata) Possibly 1754

Mark Catesby created this print of The Crested Flycatcher around the 1730s, using etching and watercolor. Catesby was an English naturalist who traveled extensively in the American colonies. His published volumes of natural history were intended to inform Europeans about the New World’s flora and fauna. But the story doesn't end there: these images also tell us about the scientific practices of the time. Note the way Catesby combines accurate observation with artistic composition. Catesby’s volumes were more than just scientific records. They also functioned as symbols of colonial expansion. He was supported by wealthy patrons keen to exploit the seemingly endless resources of the Americas. Historians use sources like Catesby’s prints, along with letters, ships’ logs, and economic data, to understand the complex relationship between art, science, and colonialism.