Bornean Crested Fireback (1918-1922)

This vibrant painting, 'Bornean Crested Fireback,' created by Charles Robert Knight between 1918 and 1922, captures the majestic presence of one of Borneo's most stunning pheasants. The work illustrates a pair of Bornean crested fireback birds, with one prominently in the foreground and the other perched gracefully on a branch in the background.Knight, renowned for his painstaking attention to detail and color, showcases the rich, iridescent plumage of the birds. The foreground features a male with a striking blue face and crest, a black chest, and a deep orange to red lower body, fading into a white and black tail. The female, although slightly more subdued, displays a beautifully patterned brown body with a similarly intense gaze.The natural background, dense with lush greenery and diffused light filtering through the foliage, transports viewers straight into the heart of a Bornean rainforest. This environment not only highlights the birds' natural habitat but also emphasizes the need for conservation and the protection of such unique species.Knight's work is not just a testament to his skill as an artist but also a powerful reminder of the beauty and diversity of wildlife on Earth.