Peale
REMBRANDT, an American artist; born in Bucks co., Pa., Feb. 22, PEACOCK of about 24 feathers, webbed only at tip; green, with blue and gold reflections.
Bill and legs horny brown.
The peahen is chestnut-brown about the head and nape; breast and neck greenish, edged with pale whity-brown; upper plumage light brown, with faint wavings, increased on upper tail coverts; tail deep brown with whitish tips; abdomen white; lower parts and under tail coverts brown. Length 38 to 40 inches; crest shorter and duller than in the male.
Among the Greeks and Romans the peacock was sacred to Hera or Juno. Quintus Hortensius (born 119 B. c.) was the first to serve up peacocks at table. The proverbial reproach "vain as a peacock," is scarcely well-founded. The display of his train is intended to attract the attention of the hen bird, or to outshine the display of some rival.
PEACOCK, THOMAS LOVE, an English writer; born in 1785. His first important work was a novel entitled "Headlong Hall," published in 1815, and this was followed by "Melincourt," "Nightmare Abbey," "Maid Marian," the 1778. When 17 years old executed a por trait of Washington, from whom he had three sittings. He painted portraits of many distinguished men. He was president of the American Academy, and also one of the original members of the Academy of Design. His portrait of Washington (1823) was purchased by Congress. He died in Philadelphia, Pa., Oct. 3, 1860.