Argus Pheasant, Pieter Pietersz. Barbiers, c. 1780 - c. 1842

brush, h 338mm × w 512mm More details

In recording this argus pheasant, Pieter Barbiers focused on the faithful depiction of its plumage. The countless dots and round spots on the tail and wing feathers are called Argus eyes, a reference (like the bird’s name itself) to the hundred-eyed giant Argus in Greek mythology. According to the classical myth, the giant’s eyes were forever preserved in the similar pattern on a peacock’s tail.