Figures & Portraits
€ 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.
This print presents the Bohemian Waxwing, scientifically named "Ampelis garrulus," with the subtlety and elegance characteristic of Magnus von Wright's work. The bird is illustrated in profile, which allows for a clear view of its distinctive field marks: the velvety-gray plumage, the crest atop its head, the black mask-like markings around the eyes, and the hints of color — red and yellow — on the wing feathers. The artist has also captured the soft, fawn-gray coloration of the bird's body and the subtle blending of colors, with the rich details in the wings and tail.
The text "Ampelis Garrulus LIN." refers to the Linnaean taxonomy, indicating Carl Linnaeus's system of classification in which the bird was described. The additional text, "Sidensvans, ung fagel," likely means "Waxwing, young bird" in Swedish, suggesting that this illustration represents a juvenile individual.
Magnus von Wright's careful attention to anatomical accuracy and lifelike posturing, as seen in the bird's relaxed stance on a branch, is noteworthy. The detailing in the feet and the perching branch is also precise, providing a realistic base for the subject.
Such illustrations would have been essential in the study of ornithology and in educating the public about the native bird species of Sweden and Finland. These prints not only served scientific purposes but also reflected the high level of craftsmanship and artistic quality that was prevalent in natural history illustrations during the 19th century. Wright's contributions through such works are part of the rich legacy of natural history art that combined scientific interest with aesthetic appreciation.
More about the bird in detail:
The Bohemian Waxwing, known scientifically as *Bombycilla garrulus*, is a passerine bird that is a member of the waxwing family of birds. They are easily recognized by their distinctive crest, sleek body, and the unique red tips on some of their wing feathers, which resemble sealing wax and give the group its name. Here are some more details about the Bohemian Waxwing:
**Appearance:**
- The bird has a pronounced crest on its head, which can be raised or lowered.
- The overall plumage is a soft gray with rose-colored flanks and undertail coverts.
- They have a black throat and a black mask around their eyes, bordered with white.
- The wing feathers have white and yellow edging, and some have those distinctive red wax-like tips.
- The tail is typically yellow or orange-tipped.
**Behavior:**
- Bohemian Waxwings are known for their nomadic lifestyle, moving around in large, tight flocks in search of fruit, their primary food source.
- They can be quite fearless around humans, especially when engrossed in eating berries.
- Their calls are high, thin, and slightly trilled, often heard when the flock is in flight.
**Breeding and Habitat:**
- They breed in the boreal forests of the northern Palearctic and in the western mountains of North America, in open wooded areas, particularly among conifers.
- Their wintering habitat includes open, fruit-rich areas, which often brings them into urban settings with ornamental berry trees.
**Migration:**
- Bohemian Waxwings are irregular migrants, with movements closely tied to the availability of the fruit crops which can vary year to year.
**Diet:**
- These birds primarily eat berries and sugary fruit all year, occasionally supplementing their diet with insects, especially when feeding young.
**Conservation Status:**
- They are not considered threatened and are classified as "Least Concern" by the IUCN. However, their populations can fluctuate based on food supply and harsh winter conditions.
**Cultural Significance:**
- Waxwings have often been celebrated in art and literature for their beauty and the charming spectacle of their large, sociable flocks.
This illustration would have captured all the notable characteristics of the species, likely serving as an important reference for those studying or interested in the avian life of von Wright's region. The illustration's detail would assist in field identification and could help foster public interest in the conservation of these elegant birds.
