Birds
€ 220
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
General age-related toning. Blank verso. Please study image carefully.
The image is an antique ornithological print titled 'Netta Rufina', featuring the red-crested pochard, a bird species easily identified by its vibrant red head and contrasting black chest. The print accurately captures the pochard's distinctive coloring and the subtle gradations of its feathers, along with the bird's relaxed pose on the water's edge, hinting at its aquatic lifestyle.
This print is the work of Magnus von Wright, a significant artist in the field of Swedish-Finnish natural history painting and illustration. Born on June 13, 1805, Magnus von Wright made substantial contributions to ornithological art through his realistic and detailed representations of birds. Educated at the Royal Swedish Academy of Arts, he was deeply influenced by the natural world, which he meticulously depicted in his illustrations.
Von Wright's series "Svenska Foglar Efter Naturen Och Pa Stenritade" (Swedish Birds After Nature and On Lithographs) is notable for its scientific accuracy and artistry, and it provided important visual documentation of the birds of Sweden. His work was not limited to ornithology; he was also recognized for his landscapes that beautifully captured the serenity and beauty of the Scandinavian countryside.
The legacy of Magnus von Wright extends beyond the visual beauty of his work, as it plays a crucial role in the historical study of the region's avian life. His prints, including this one of the red-crested pochard, continue to be prized for their combination of scientific value and artistic merit.
