Close-ups
Framed and on the wall
Frame and rooms are illustrations of how the print could look; the description says what is included.
Harbor of Elegance: Bird Print of The Common Shelduck by Magnus von Wright, 1929
£185 ($245, €220)
Period original, not a reproduction.
Shipped from the Netherlands, flat, insured and tracked, worldwide. Returns accepted within 14 days.
- Date
- 1929
- Size
- 14.8 × 10.9 in (37.7 × 27.7 cm)
- Condition
- Good. General age-related toning. Blank verso. Please study image carefully.
- Period
- 20th century
- Artist or book
- The von Wright brothers
- Section
- Birds
- Reference
- f_39118562
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 showcases the Common Shelduck, known scientifically as Tadorna tadorna, rendered with an impressive degree of detail and naturalistic color. The shelduck stands prominently, perched on a rocky base, its body turned slightly towards the viewer, providing a clear view of its striking plumage.
The artist has skillfully depicted the shelduck's vibrant coloration, from the bold black, white, and chestnut patterns of the body to the delicate pink of the webbed feet. The bird's head is adorned with a glossy green-black cap that contrasts with the bright red bill, which is a distinctive feature of the species. The fine detailing of the feathers, particularly the intricate vermiculation of the grey wings, exhibits Magnus von Wright's commitment to accuracy and his ability to capture the textures of the bird's plumage.
The pale background ensures that the bird is the focal point of the composition, with just a hint of vegetation and a subtle wash of blue beneath the rock suggesting the bird's natural habitat without competing with the main subject.
The inscription "Grågås," directly translates to "Grey Goose," a term which can refer to a shelduck in some contexts, and the detail of the print suggests that it may be intended to depict the bird in a specific seasonal phase or age.
As part of the collection from 'Svenska Foglar Efter Naturen Och Pa Stenritade,' this print is not only a valuable scientific record but also a piece of art that reflects the rich biodiversity of the Nordic avifauna, as well as Magnus von Wright's talent for combining scientific observation with artistic elegance.
