Ape; Cassowary; Feasant; Ostrich; Swallow; Peacock; Peahen
- Artist: after Francis Barlow
- Medium: Engraving and etching on paper
- Dimensions: image: 208 x 297 mm
- Museum: Tate Britain
- Collection record: Tate Britain website
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About this artwork
This engraving titled 'Ape; Cassowary; Feasant; Ostrich; Swallow; Peacock; Peahen', after Francis Barlow, dates to about 1670. It shows a lively gathering of birds—peacock, peahen, ostrich, cassowary, swallow, pheasant—and a curious ape, all etched with fine lines that capture each feather and fur detail. Set against a simple garden wall, the scene hints at 17th‑century England’s fascination with exotic wildlife. The print entered the collection in 1997 as part of the Oppé Collection, thanks to the National Lottery’s Heritage Lottery Fund. Currently it’s on display in the 'Birds' exhibition at Tate Britain until June 2026. Notice how Barlow balances realism with a touch of whimsy; each animal’s anatomy is rendered accurately yet playfully. This small sheet of paper packs a vibrant snapshot of natural history and early modern curiosity.
See it in person
Ape; Cassowary; Feasant; Ostrich; Swallow; Peacock; Peahen is in the collection of Tate Britain on Millbank, London — free to enter. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
