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Antique Bird Print of the Common House Martin by Von Wright, 1927

About the Item

Antique bird print titled 'Hirundo Urbica'. Old bird print depicting the Common House Martin. This print orginates from 'Svenska Foglar Efter Naturen Och Pa Stenritade' by Magnus von Wright. It is a migratory passerine bird of the swallow family which breeds in Europe, north Africa and across the Palearctic; and winters in sub-Saharan Africa and tropical Asia. It has a blue head and upperparts, white rump and pure white underparts, and is found in both open country and near human habitation. It is similar in appearance to the two other martin species of the genus Delichon, which are both endemic to eastern and southern Asia. It has two accepted subspecies. Both the scientific and colloquial name of the bird are related to its use of human-made structures. It builds a closed cup nest from mud pellets under eaves or similar locations on buildings usually in colonies. It is hunted by the Eurasian hobby (Falco subbuteo), and like other birds is affected by internal parasites and external fleas and mites, although its large range and population mean that it is not threatened globally. William Shakespeare was clearly describing the House Martin when Banquo brings the nests and birds to the attention of Duncan at Macbeth's castle, Inverness: "This guest of summer, The temple-haunting martlet, does approve By his loved mansionry that the heaven's breath Smells wooingly here. No jutty, frieze, Buttress, nor coign of vantage, but this bird Hath made his pendant bed and procreant cradle; Where they most breed and haunt, I have observed The air is delicate." (Macbeth, Act I, scene VI). Artists and Engravers: Printed in Stockholm. Magnus von Wright (1805 - 68) was the first taxidermist working with the vertebrate collections of Helsinki University. Starting out as a taxidermist in the 1820's, he stuffed birds for Societas pro Flora et Fauna Fennica, the oldest scientific society in Finland, and in 1845, became taxidermist at the university's zoological museum. Von Wright made several study journeys to Stockholm and St. Petersburg, and even wrote a short manual on how mount birds. Though a skilful taxidermist, his reputation, like that of his two brothers, Wilhelm and Ferdinand, rests on his skill as a zoological illustrator. In 1859 he published the first handbook on Finnish birds. Condition: Very good, general age-related toning. Please study image carefully. Date: 1927 Overall size: 28 x 37.5 cm. Image size: 14 x 9 cm. We also offer thousands of antique prints covering fields of interest as diverse as architecture, natural history, religion, ethnology and many more. Antique prints have long been appreciated for both their aesthetic and investment value. They were the product of engraved, etched or lithographed plates. These plates were handmade out of wood or metal, which required an incredible level of skill, patience and craftsmanship. Whether you have a house with Victorian furniture or more contemporary decor an old engraving can enhance your living space.

Dimensions:

Height: 14.77 in (37.5 cm)Width: 11.03 in (28 cm)Depth: 0.01 in (0.2 mm)

Materials and Techniques:

Paper

Period:

20th Century

Date of Manufacture:

1927

Condition:

Seller Location:

Langweer, NL

Reference Number: