Roller Bird Albrecht Dürer (1471-1528)

The painting Roller Bird depicts a bird rendered in watercolor against a plain, light background. The bird is shown from a top-down perspective, with its head tilted back and its beak open, as if calling out or in a moment of distress. Its wings are partially spread, revealing iridescent blue feathers, while its body exhibits shades of green and brown. The detail in the feathers is remarkable, suggesting a close study of the subject.
The subtext of this painting can be interpreted in several ways. On a literal level, its a detailed anatomical study of a bird, showcasing its plumage and form with scientific accuracy. The open beak and upward gaze create a sense of vulnerability and perhaps a cry for help, adding an emotional dimension.
Metaphorically, the bird could represent a fragile creature in a vast, indifferent world. Its bright, striking colors might symbolize its vitality, while its seemingly helpless pose could evoke themes of mortality, captured beauty, or a lament for natures struggles. The raw depiction, without any contextual background, focuses intensely on the bird itself, amplifying these possible interpretations of life, beauty, and vulnerability. The numerical inscription in the upper right corner, 151 - [symbol], might be a catalog number or a signature, grounding the artwork in a historical or curatorial context.