Watchful Hunter: The Gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus), 1927
€ 220
Original antique · The actual sheet photographed · Certificate of authenticity on request · Sold unframed · Worldwide shipping from € 15 (rates)
Date
1927
Sheet size
38 × 27 cm (15.0 × 10.6 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
BG-11219-2-9
What the condition grades mean
Excellent
Bright and clean, with no faults worth mentioning.
Very good
Only light signs of age, such as faint toning.
Good
Normal signs of age for a sheet of this period: toning, some foxing, small marks or neat old repairs.
Fair
Clear faults such as staining, tears or repairs, priced to match.
Every fault we see is written in the condition note, and the whole sheet is shown uncropped in the photos.
Condition
Good, considering its age. No visible signs of significant fading. The details are crisp and clear and no signs of foxing (brown spots). Study the image carefully.
About this sheet
This print from the "Svenska Fåglar Efter Naturen Och På Sten Ritade" series presents the formidable Gyrfalcon, or 'Jaktfalk' in Swedish, scientifically named Falco rusticolus. The bird is perched majestically, its gaze sharp and penetrating, indicative of its status as a top predator in its Arctic habitat.
The artist has paid extraordinary attention to the gyrfalcon's plumage, which is depicted with a detailed pattern of dark and light barring that provides camouflage against the tundra landscape. The feathers are rendered with lifelike precision, from the subtle grays and whites of the body to the darker accents that highlight the bird's sleek aerodynamic form.
The gyrfalcon's powerful build is evident in its broad chest and muscular legs, which are draped in yellow leather straps, hinting at the bird's role in the sport of falconry. Its large talons, also a deep yellow, are shown gripping a rock, suggesting the strength with which it would grasp its prey.
The bird's beak is strong and hooked, characteristic of raptors and suited for tearing flesh, and its facial expression is intense, with a focus that reflects its hunting prowess. The background is minimal, with just a hint of shadow cast by the bird, ensuring that all attention is on the gyrfalcon's imposing figure.
In excellent condition, the print's colors are still vibrant, and the paper shows no signs of significant wear, attesting to the quality of the preservation. This image serves not only as a testament to the gyrfalcon's beauty and power but also as a representation of the skill and scientific accuracy that went into the creation of these ornithological illustrations.
