Dresser, The Common Skua, Hand-Colored Print

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The print is from "The History of the Birds of Europe" by Henry Eeles Dresser, published between 1871 and 1896. … Read more The print is from "The History of the Birds of Europe" by Henry Eeles Dresser, published between 1871 and 1896. This work is noted for its high-quality illustrations and meticulous hand coloring, making it a valuable and sought-after item among collectors. Key Points about the Print: 1. **Author**: Henry Eeles Dresser. 2. **Artist**: John Gerrard Keulemans, a distinguished Dutch painter and illustrator known for his detailed and lifelike bird illustrations. 3. **Publication Period**: 1871-1896. 4. **Print Size**: 9.5 inches by 12.5 inches. 5. **Rarity**: Only about 240 copies were issued, making the prints extremely rare and valuable. 6. **Hand Coloring**: Each print was hand-colored with great attention to detail, ensuring vibrant and accurate depictions. 7. **Quality and Recognition**: The prints are comparable in quality to those of John Gould and Audubon, though produced in smaller quantities. 8. **Scope of Work**: While titled "Birds of Europe," the publication covers species from Europe, parts of Asia, North Africa, and the Caucasus. 9. **Significance**: This work is one of the last great hand-colored bird books and represents a comprehensive snapshot of bird species before significant environmental changes occurred. Additional Context: - Illustrations: The majority of the illustrations in Dresser's volumes were created by John Gerrard Keulemans, with over 650 contributions. Joseph Wolf also contributed, especially to the raptor section. Why This Print is Special: 1. Artistic Excellence: The print showcases the meticulous and lifelike artistry of John Gerrard Keulemans, renowned for his ability to capture the essence of bird species. 2. Historical Value: As part of a rare and limited publication, it offers a glimpse into ornithological studies of the late 19th century. 3. Rarity and Collectibility: with only 240 copies issued, the prints are highly collectible and valued by art and bird enthusiasts alike. 4. Hand-Colored Detail: The hand-colored technique used ensures each print is unique and vividly represents the subject. 5. Cultural Impact: Dresser's work, along with contributions from notable artists like Keulemans and Wolf, stands as a significant achievement in the field of ornithological literature. This comprehensive understanding highlights the significance and value of the print within the context of historical bird illustration and 19th-century scientific documentation. The bird depicted in the illustration is the **Common Skua** (Stercorarius skua), also known as the **Great Skua**. Habitat and Distribution: 1. **Breeding Range**: - **Northern Atlantic**: The Common Skua breeds in regions such as Iceland, the Faroe Islands, Norway, and Scotland, including the Shetland and Orkney Islands. 2. **Wintering Range**: - **Southern Hemisphere**: During the non-breeding season, these birds migrate southwards. They are found in the open ocean across the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, ranging as far south as South America, South Africa, and Australia. 3. **Habitat**: - **Coastal Areas**: The Common Skua typically breeds in coastal areas and islands, preferring rugged, remote locations. - **Open Ocean**: Outside the breeding season, they are pelagic, meaning they spend much of their time at sea. Behavior and Diet: - **Aggressive Predators**: Common Skuas are known for their aggressive behavior, often attacking other birds to steal food (kleptoparasitism). They also hunt fish, small mammals, and other birds. - **Nesting**: They nest on the ground, laying eggs in shallow scrapes lined with vegetation. Identification: - **Appearance**: The Common Skua has a robust body, brown plumage, a short tail, and white patches on the wings, which are visible in flight. - **Size**: They are large, stocky birds with a wingspan ranging from 125 to 140 cm (49 to 55 inches). This comprehensive information provides a clear understanding of the Common Skua, its habitat, behavior, and distribution. See less