Birds
€ 220
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
General age-related toning. Small crease lower left corner. Blank verso. Please study image carefully.
This print features a young Long-tailed Duck, known by the scientific name Harelda hyemalis. The bird is shown in a side profile, standing on a rocky outcrop with a small body of water indicated by blue hues beneath the rocks. The Long-tailed Duck is rendered in meticulous detail, with the feather patterns and coloration suggesting its juvenile status, which is typically less vivid than the adult's breeding plumage.
The illustration captures the distinctive features of the species, such as the relatively small bill and the characteristic shape of the head, which even in a juvenile, hints at the elongated tail feathers that give the species its common name. The bird's pose is natural and relaxed, with an alert expression and an eye that conveys a sense of vitality, typical of von Wright’s lifelike renditions.
The artwork is set against a pale, unobtrusive background that does not compete with the subject for the viewer's attention. This focus on the bird with minimal environmental detail is a hallmark of von Wright's work, emphasizing the bird's form and plumage for scientific study and appreciation. The caption "Alfågel, ung ♂ om vintern," translates to "Long-tailed duck, young male in the winter," indicating the specific time of year and sex of the bird depicted, which would be of particular interest to ornithologists and bird watchers of the era.
As with his other works, this print from 'Svenska Foglar Efter Naturen Och Pa Stenritade' would have been an important source of information and enjoyment for those interested in the avian world, reflecting Wright’s contributions to ornithology and art.
