The image features a detailed and naturalistic representation of the Eurasian wigeon, scientifically named 'Anas (Mareca) Penelope'. This duck is characterized by its russet head and neck, pale blue bill with a black tip, and a distinctive cream stripe running from the top of the head down the neck. The print captures the wigeon's delicate plumage patterns, with soft grays, browns, and the subtle pinkish hue on the breast.
This print is from "Svenska Foglar Efter Naturen Och Pa Stenritade," a series by Magnus von Wright. Von Wright, born on June 13, 1805, in Sweden, was an accomplished artist who, alongside his brothers, Wilhelm and Ferdinand, made significant contributions to Nordic natural history art. Although he was educated in Stockholm, his impact was profound in both Sweden and Finland.
His artistry extended beyond avian subjects to landscapes, depicting the Scandinavian countryside with the same attention to detail and authenticity. Von Wright's illustrations are notable for their blend of scientific accuracy and artistic beauty, and they served as an essential visual record for ornithologists and nature lovers alike.
The prints from "Svenska Foglar" are particularly cherished for their historical and educational value, as they were among the first to offer detailed and accurate depictions of the birds of Sweden. The Eurasian wigeon print is a fine example of von Wright's work, representing the bird in a poised, lifelike manner that appeals to both art collectors and ornithological enthusiasts.
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.