2-984-395 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Argus Pheasant, c.1780-c.1842. 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.