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 *Great Spotted Woodpecker - Male (Dryobates major)*, created by Wilhelm von Wright, is a masterful depiction of the distinctive bird renowned for its striking coloration and meticulous anatomical detail. The bird, a male great spotted woodpecker, is presented perched on a gnarled tree branch. The intricate patterns on its plumage are rendered with remarkable precision, showcasing a contrasting black and white body with vibrant red undertones on the nape and underside of the tail. The fine texture of the feathers is highlighted by delicate brushwork, capturing the soft fluffiness and subtle contouring that gives the bird its lifelike appearance.

The woodpecker's pose is natural and attentive, with its head tilted slightly, seemingly caught in a moment of stillness. Its sharp beak is angled, ready to tap into the tree bark, a testament to the bird’s persistent nature. The background is a muted mix of earthy tones, allowing the bird to stand out prominently while suggesting a natural habitat without overwhelming the primary subject. The branch on which the woodpecker perches is detailed with rough texture and subtle shades, providing a realistic and tactile quality to the scene.

Information about the Original Painting and the Artist:

Wilhelm von Wright (1810-1887) was a Finnish-Swedish painter celebrated for his detailed and scientifically accurate illustrations of birds and other wildlife. He was part of a lineage of naturalist artists and worked closely with his brothers Magnus and Ferdinand von Wright, who were also notable figures in the field of ornithological art. Wilhelm's artistic career was deeply intertwined with the burgeoning interest in natural sciences during the 19th century, a period that witnessed significant advancements in zoology, botany, and other disciplines.

The original painting of *Great Spotted Woodpecker - Male (Dryobates major)* is part of Wilhelm's broader oeuvre, which often focused on creating scientifically accurate and aesthetically pleasing representations of wildlife. These works were highly regarded for their usefulness in scientific documentation and their artistic merit. Collections of these works can be found in several museums and institutions dedicated to natural history and art, such as the Finnish Museum of Natural History and the Ateneum Art Museum in Helsinki.

This painting fits into Wilhelm von Wright’s career as a quintessential example of his skill in combining scientific observation with artistic expression. The painting would have contributed to the scientific community’s understanding of bird species, as well as providing inspiration and enjoyment to art enthusiasts. Wilhelm’s work, along with that of his contemporaries, played a key role in the broader artistic movement of naturalism and the detailed study of nature, which was prevalent in the 19th century.

This particular piece is noteworthy not only for its technical proficiency but also for its ability to evoke the serene beauty and complexity of the natural world, reflecting Wilhelm von Wright's dual commitment to art and science.