The Art of Flying: Bird Images from A to Z

From auks to zic-zacs, there are over 10,000 species of birds inhabiting virtually every corner of the earth. Nearly 250 species breed and nest annually in Minnesota alone. Birds have long captured the hearts of humans. Their beautiful feathers, flights, and songs inspire art, music, and dress, and simply watching or listening to them can bring joy and even healing. Beyond their aesthetic and emotional appeal, birds also play incredibly important roles in their ecosystems.

The images in this exhibit are scans of pages from the Andersen Horticultural Library’s rare book collection. Most are from John Gould’s Birds of Asia, a seven-volume set of books published in London between 1850 and 1883. Birds from India, China, Japan, Russia, Southeast Asia, and the Himalayas are depicted in hand-colored lithographs. Images from American Ornithology and other rare publications are also featured.

Please sign the guest book and let us know what you think of the exhibit, what your favorite bird is and why, and vote for your favorite image from the exhibit. Enjoy!

Exhibit details

What: “The Art of Flying: Bird Images from A to Z”
When: March 26 through August 12, 2022
Where: Skyway Gallery and Library, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Curator: Kathy Allen, Librarian, Andersen Horticultural Library