McGill Library
McLennan Library Building3459 rue McTavish
Montreal, Quebec
H3A 0C9
Horned Grebe
Black-necked Grebe, Eared Grebe
Podiceps nigricollis
Item
1 watercolour painting ; 56 x 39 cm + 1 leaf
Peter Paillou was born in London into a Huguenot family and was recognised in his own time as an eminent ‘bird painter’. In 1744 he began to paint for Taylor White and worked for him for almost thirty years, painting chiefly birds and mammals. He painted as well for Robert More, Joseph Banks, and for the Welsh naturalist Thomas Pennant. Many of his paintings of birds were used as the basis for book illustrations, often engraved by his colleague and fellow Huguenot, Peter Mazell. Paillou was elected to the Society of Artists and in 1763 he exhibited ‘A Piece of Birds, in Watercolours; the Hen of the Wood and Cock of the Red Game’. In 1778, to considerable approval, he also showed a picture of ‘A Horned Owl from Peru’, completely made from feathers.
Drawing of a Black-necked Grebe--also known as an Eared Grebe--from a 18th century specimen [modern geographical distribution: Europe, Asia, Southern Africa, Eastern Africa, and North America.] Attributed to Peter Paillou.
Manuscript note on front of drawing: Horned Grebe (Columbus auritus)
Scientific name: Podiceps nigricollis
With manuscript text on accompanying leaf.
Transcription of manuscript note on accompanying leaf: Aves Anseres Colymbus
Auritus.
8 Colymbus, pedibus lobatis, capite
nigro, auribus cristato-ferrugi-
-neis. L.S.N. p. 135.
The greater Crested
and horned Doucker.
Will. orn. p. 340
No. 40.
Translation of manuscript note on accompanying leaf: Aves Anseres Colymbus
Auritus.
8 Colymbus, with lobate feet, a black head,
and reddish-brown crested ears.
L.S.N. p. 135.
The greater Crested
and horned Doucker.
Will. orn. p. 340
No. 40.