Golden Pencilled Hamburghs (1867)

Welcome to a glimpse of nature's finesse through the eyes of Harrison Weir, captured in his 1867 painting titled "Golden Pencilled Hamburghs." This artwork gloriously presents two Hamburgh chickens, a breed cherished for its beauty and elegance, as they explore a serene meadow environment.Harrison Weir, often recognized for his affectionate portrayal of animals, excels here in attention to details. The chickens depicted are vibrant with life; their feathers shimmer with golden and dark stripes that exemplify the 'pencilled' quality that gives the breed part of its name. The rooster, with its strikingly large, sweeping tail feather and a bold red comb, stands protectively near the smaller hen, showcasing Weir’s knack for depicting natural animal behaviors and hierarchies.The backdrop of the painting—a gentle, unobtrusive landscape—further illuminates the subjects, letting the iridescence of their plumage dominate the visual spectrum without competing with a busy background. This focus foregrounds the beauty and proud stance of the Hamburgh chickens against what seems like a tranquil early morning.