Turdus Poecilopterus (Aztec Thrush) 

Elizabeth Gould created this lithograph of the Turdus Poecilopterus, or Aztec Thrush, during the height of the Victorian era. As a woman, Gould navigated a field largely dominated by men, often working in the shadow of her husband, a renowned ornithologist. Here we see two birds perched side-by-side, but the composition speaks to more than just zoological documentation. The scientific gaze, often associated with colonial expansion, intersects with the personal narrative of Gould herself. As an artist, she transformed the genre of bird illustration by creating a sense of vitality in her subjects. Gould produced thousands of illustrations, but was often uncredited. Consider how the Aztec Thrush, a creature of vibrant life, becomes a symbol of both scientific inquiry and the complex dynamics of gender within the scientific community. This image encourages us to reflect on the intricate relationships between art, science, and society.