Created from high-quality wood, milled with simple clean lines and presented with a satin finish. Includes an off-white mount that will not discolour or fade with age. - Simple, elegant design - Premium, fine art paper with a gently textured surface - Handmade by specialist picture framers - FSC certified off-white mat / window mount - Delivered ready for hanging

The painting "Hen Harrier male (Circus cyaneus)" magnificently illustrated by Wilhelm von Wright, captures the grace and elegance of a solitary male hen harrier in breathtaking detail. The bird is showcased perched placidly on a branch, perhaps resting amidst its tireless patrol over its marshy hunting grounds.

The bird's plumage is depicted with meticulous precision, displaying the exquisite shades of ashen gray that characterize the male hen harrier. The artist's attention to the nuances of color is particularly notable; the pale underbelly contrasts harmoniously with the dusky gray wings and back. The bird's piercing yellow eyes are rendered with a lifelike intensity, suggesting a keen and watchful presence.

Scientific accuracy is a hallmark of the von Wright brothers' work, and Wilhelm’s expertise is evident in the intricate detailing of the feathers, the elegant curve of the talons, and the anatomical correctness of the bird’s form. The background is modest and unobtrusive, ensuring that the focus remains firmly on the hen harrier, yet it subtly conveys the bird's natural habitat with hints of earthy tones and distant foliage.

Information about the Original Painting and the Artist:

- Original Painting Location: The original painting is part of the collection at the Finnish Museum of Natural History, also known as Luomus, in Helsinki, Finland.

- Artist: Wilhelm von Wright (1810–1887) was one of the three von Wright brothers, all of whom were renowned Finnish painters specializing in ornithological illustrations. Wilhelm, alongside his brothers Magnus and Ferdinand, contributed significantly to natural history illustration in the 19th century.

- Artistic and Historical Context: The painting is part of the broader body of work by the von Wright brothers, who were pivotal figures in combining the realms of art and science. Their illustrations are prized for their dual commitment to aesthetic beauty and scientific accuracy. The von Wrights’ documentation of Nordic wildlife played a critical role in the European natural history movement, dovetailing the burgeoning interest in detailed biological documentation and the romantic naturalism of the time.

- Artistic Movements: Wilhelm von Wright’s work fits beautifully within the natural history illustration movement, a specialized branch of art that emerged vividly during the 18th and 19th centuries. This movement responded to and fueled contemporary interests in cataloging and understanding the natural world. Wilhelm, specifically, is noted for his detailed observation and ability to translate the essence of his subjects into painstakingly accurate and lively images.

- Noteworthy Details: The painting stands out for its blend of vivid detail and naturalistic portrayal — Wilhelm managed to infuse the bird with a palpable presence that transcended mere academic illustration. His work, part of the larger von Wright collection, continues to inform and inspire both art and natural history enthusiasts alike.

To sum up, "Hen Harrier male (Circus cyaneus)" is a sterling example of Wilhelm von Wright's masterful nature illustrations, representing a valuable intersection of art and science. This painting does more than capture a moment in nature; it encapsulates a period's vibrant spirit of discovery and the meticulous reverence for the natural world.