This ornithological print features the Somateria spectabilis, commonly known as the King Eider, from the celebrated "Svenska Fåglar" series. The King Eider, a sea duck known for its striking appearance, is depicted with a remarkable attention to detail and color. The duck's plumage is a study in contrasts: bold black and white feathers are complemented by subtle brown patterns, while the bird's head showcases an array of soft grays, greens, and a flush of peach near the nape.
The focal point of the illustration is the King Eider's distinctive face, with its bright orange, yellow, and green bill—a defining characteristic of the species. The bird's eyes are rendered with a lifelike glint, and the overall pose conveys a sense of quiet dignity and poise.
Set against a muted background that suggests a sandy shore beside a body of water, the King Eider is positioned as if at rest, yet its posture indicates readiness to take to the waters. The print captures the essence of this Arctic dweller, a bird admired for its resilience and beauty.
The lithograph's condition seems excellent, with the colors retaining their vibrancy and the paper free of any noticeable signs of age or damage. The print would be a prized possession for bird enthusiasts and art collectors, providing a window into the avian diversity of the Nordic regions as seen through the lens of the early 20th-century artistry.
This is an original and NOT a reproduction!
Bartele Gallery. Original antique maps, sea charts, engravings and works on paper. This is a plain text rendering of a page that is otherwise built in the browser. The catalogue index is at https://www.bartele.net/catalogue and machine readable notes are at https://www.bartele.net/llms.txt.