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The "Teal (Anas crecca)" painting by Wilhelm von Wright, along with contributions by his brothers Magnus and Ferdinand von Wright, is an exquisitely detailed ornithological illustration. The scene depicts a pair of Common Teals, a small duck species found across the temperate and subarctic regions of Europe and Asia.

The painting captures the lively essence of these birds with extraordinary attention to detail:

1. Male Teal:
- The male teal, with its characteristic bright, iridescent green patch on the wings and eye area, stands gracefully in a natural, marshy setting.
- His body is rendered with a palette of earthy browns, grays, and whites, creating a realistic texture of feathers. The subtle blending of watercolors showcases the artist's precision.
- The teal’s posture, with its head slightly turned, reveals the intricate patterns on its plumage and the delicate gradations of color that distinguish the species.

2. Female Teal:
- The female, slightly less flamboyant, is portrayed with a more muted coloration - predominantly in shades of brown with fine markings, reflective of her camouflaging plumage.
- Her posture is more subdued, perhaps indicating protective awareness or nurturing behavior, typical of how female ducks are often depicted in their natural habitat.

3. Background:
- The background is a soft, yet precise suggestion of a wetland environment, with reeds and water to imply the natural habitat without drawing focus away from the primary subjects.
- The water reflects parts of the birds and surrounding grasses, adding to the realism and depth of the scene.

Stylistic Elements:

- The use of both watercolor and gouache allows for detailed, sharp lines in the birds’ feathers while maintaining a soft, natural look for the background elements.
- The layering of translucent washes and more opaque highlights showcases the artist's skill in manipulating these mediums to bring out both vividness and subtlety.

The von Wright Brothers' Collaborative Works:

- Wilhelm von Wright, along with his brothers Magnus and Ferdinand, are renowned for their contribution to natural history illustration, focusing on detailed and scientifically accurate depictions of birds and other wildlife.
- Their collective efforts resulted in several significant publications, such as the "Svenska Fåglar" (Swedish Birds), which catalogued Swedish avifauna in exceptional detail.

Wilhelm von Wright:

- Born in 1810 in Haminalahti, Finland, Wilhelm moved to Sweden and became a pivotal figure in the illustration of natural history.
- He was a meticulous observer, combining art and science in a manner that appealed to both naturalists and art enthusiasts.

Current Location of the Original Painting:

- Original works by Wilhelm and his brothers are often housed in significant collections, including the Swedish Museum of Natural History in Stockholm.
- The "Teal (Anas crecca)" illustration is likely part of one such collection, although specific details may vary.

Artistic Movements and Career:

- The von Wright brothers’ work is a cornerstone of the 19th-century naturalist art movement, which aimed to document and celebrate the natural world with scientific accuracy and artistic sensitivity.
- Their illustrations are not only valuable from a scientific perspective but are also appreciated for their artistic merit, capturing the beauty and intricacies of wildlife.

Noteworthy Details:

- This particular illustration of the Teal reflects the era's growing interest in ornithology and the natural sciences. It was a period marked by exploration and classification of the world’s biodiversity.
- The meticulous detail serves educational purposes, aiding in the identification and study of species, while also standing alone as a piece of art that exemplifies the skill and dedication of the von Wright brothers.

Conclusion:

"Teal (Anas crecca)" by Wilhelm von Wright is a masterpiece of natural history illustration that combines scientific accuracy with artistic elegance, reflecting the broader 19th-century movement towards detailed documentation of the natural world.