Antique Framed Print of Velvet Scoter

This antique hand-colored print of an 1855 wood engraving is from "A History of British Birds" authored by Rev. Francis Orpen Morris (1810-1893). First published in 6 volumes by Groombridge and Sons, Paternoster Row, London in the years 1851-1857, the book featured ornithological illustrations by Alexander Francis Lydon, the British natural history engraver. Lydon worked closely with Benjamin Fawcett, the printer of the books, and collaborated with Rev. Morris on a large number of works.

The duck pictured here is a male velvet scoter, head up and swimming, on buff paper. It's surrounded by a 1 inch wide matte black frame with a gold inner liner. The sight size is 5 3/4 inches by 7 1/2 inches; the framed size measures 8 inches by 10 inches and weighs 14 ounces. The words "VELVET SCOTER" are printed at the bottom. If there's any further information below that it is obscured by the frame.

There is a nice brass hanger at the top of the picture. On the reverse is a label stating "GENUINE OLD PRINT." The dust paper is torn in places but is all there. There are a few dents in the wooden frame; the artwork itself is in very good condition, unfoxed with strong colors. The ink used for the printed words has faded but is still legible.

The print has a folk art look, while the frame is a bit more formal, so this artwork displays well in both traditional and country interiors.

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