Cardinal and Peony

by Don Balke

Title

Cardinal and Peony

Artist

Don Balke

Medium

Painting - Watercolor On Cold Press Illustration Board

Description

Only the Summer Tanager matches the male Cardinal in full red color, but the Tanager lacks the pronounced crest which the Cardinal proudly displays. A black mask, a stout coral red bill, and dark red feet also distinguish the Cardinal from the Tanager. So brilliant is his color that he was named Cardinal for the scarlet robes of a church dignitary. The female's dress is much more subdued. She has an olive-gray back, dull reddish wings and crest, and soft pink-brown underparts. The birds remain together throughout the year, through in the early winter months the bond may be relaxed.

The red shoots of Peonies emerging from the ground have signaled spring for generations of flower lovers who look forward to the unforgettable fragrance that is the Peony's pride. The large, usually spring-blooming, single or double flowers commonly range in shades from red to white. The Peony is cited as the earliest known medicinal plant. The name of the flower perpetuates that of Apollo in his character of physician, for as Paeon he healed the wounds the gods received in the Trojan war. From that fact, the early doctors of medicine were known as paeoni.

Please note the "Fine Art America" watermark will not appear on the painting or any print reproduction.

Artwork Copyright © 1985 Wind River Studios Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved under United States and international copyright laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, transmit, or otherwise exploit the Artwork in any way. Any sale of the physical original does not include or convey the Copyright or any right comprised in the Copyright. WRSH Stock Number XB09867

Uploaded

March 23rd, 2022

Colors

Embed

Share

Tags