Arctic Diver Lithograph: The Red-throated Loon (Gavia stellata), 1927
$155 (£120, €140)
Period original, not a reproduction.
Shipped from the Netherlands, flat, insured and tracked, worldwide. Returns accepted within 14 days.
- Date
- 1927
- Size
- 15 × 10.6 in (38 × 27 cm)
- Condition
- Good. Good, considering its age. No visible signs of significant fading. The details are crisp and clear and no signs of foxing (brown spots) Above the bird two paralel faint lines. Study the image carefully.
- Period
- 20th century
- Section
- Birds
- Reference
- f_37698552
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.
This print, part of the esteemed "Svenska Fåglar Efter Naturen Och På Sten Ritade" series, features the Red-throated Loon, known as Gavia stellata, or 'Smålom' in Swedish.
"Colymbus stellatus" is an older taxonomic name for what is now commonly known as "Gavia stellata," the Red-throated Loon or Red-throated Diver.
Taxonomic names can change as biological classification systems are updated based on new research and genetic studies, but they refer to the same species. The Red-throated Loon is known for its distinctive red throat patch and is a common species in the Arctic and subarctic regions.
The bird is depicted in a tranquil aquatic setting, floating with its body partially submerged, showcasing the species' adaptation to life on the water.
The loon's plumage is rendered with a remarkable degree of detail, displaying the speckled black and white patterns that adorn its back, providing camouflage against the predatory gaze from above. The bird's chest and neck fade into a soft, silvery white, and the characteristic red throat patch that gives the Red-throated Loon its name is hinted at with a subtle flush of color.
The artist has captured the loon's distinctive profile: its sharp, pointed beak, which is instrumental in catching fish, is set against the backdrop of a pale sky, and its eyes are marked with a red iris, adding a vivid touch to the otherwise muted color palette. The reflection in the water is delicately illustrated, suggesting the gentle ripples caused by the loon's movement.
The print is likely to be in good condition, with the colors remaining clear and bright, the paper free from noticeable signs of aging or damage. This artwork not only serves as a visual pleasure but also as an educational portrayal of the Red-throated Loon, a species much revered by bird watchers and nature enthusiasts alike for its haunting calls and exceptional diving ability.
This is an original and NOT a reproduction!
