BRENT BERNICLE

Artist: Prideaux John Selby
Price: £175.00
Publisher: Prideaux John Selby
Publication Date: c. 1827. Printed on paper with watermark for 1827
Format: Original hand-coloured etching
Condition: Very good indeed
Sheet Size: 63.3cm x 52.2cm
Series: From ‘Illustrations Of British Ornithology’

This exquisite original hand-coloured etching from Prideaux John Selby’s magnificent work, ‘Illustrations Of British Ornithology,’ produced between 1821 and 1824, showcases the Brent Bernicle in stunning detail. The artwork exhibits the meticulous detail and vibrant use of colour that define Selby’s work, making it a desirable piece for both art collectors and ornithological enthusiasts. Very minor marks to the plate surface and age toning. Very minor creasing. In very good indeed condition overall with bright hand-colouring. Location: Map Drawer A: 002045

Prideaux John Selby: A Short Biography

Prideaux John Selby (1788–1867) was a distinguished British naturalist, ornithologist, and artist known for his significant contributions to the study of British birds. He is most renowned for his detailed and artistic illustrations of birds, which remain influential in the field of ornithology. Here’s a detailed overview of his life and work:

Early Life and Background:

• Birth: Prideaux John Selby was born on July 23, 1788, in Alnwick, Northumberland, England, into a well-to-do family. He was educated at University College, Oxford, where he developed a strong interest in natural history, particularly botany and ornithology.

Career and Contributions:

• Natural History Interests: Selby had a wide range of interests in natural history, but he is best remembered for his work in ornithology. His estate in Northumberland provided him with ample opportunities to study and observe wildlife, particularly birds.
• Illustration and Publication:
  • “Illustrations of British Ornithology” (1821–1834): Selby’s most famous work, Illustrations of British Ornithology, was a monumental two-volume set that featured life-sized, hand-coloured illustrations of British birds. The illustrations were noted for their accuracy, detail, and artistic quality. This work is often compared to John James Audubon’s The Birds of America for its scale and importance.
  • Selby’s illustrations were unique because he often depicted birds in their natural settings, showing not only the birds themselves but also the plants and landscapes of their habitats. This approach helped set a new standard for ornithological illustration.
• Other Works: In addition to his work on birds, Selby also contributed to other natural history publications and was involved in the production of The Naturalist’s Library, edited by William Jardine. He wrote the volumes on pigeons and game birds for this series.

Legacy and Impact:

• Influence on Ornithology: Selby’s work was highly regarded by his contemporaries and has continued to be valued by ornithologists and collectors. His meticulous attention to detail and his artistic talent made his illustrations an invaluable resource for the study of British birds.
• Conservation and Education: Although Selby was primarily known for his illustrations, his work also contributed to the early conservation movement by raising awareness of the diversity and beauty of British wildlife. His illustrations were used in educational contexts and helped to foster a greater appreciation for the natural world.

Personal Life:

• Family and Estate: Selby lived much of his life at Twizell House, his family’s estate in Northumberland. He was deeply involved in the management of his estate, which included extensive woodlands that he used for his studies.
• Death: Prideaux John Selby passed away on March 27, 1867, leaving behind a legacy as one of the foremost British naturalists and bird illustrators of the 19th century.

Collectability and Historical Significance:

• Selby’s Illustrations of British Ornithology remains a highly sought-after work by collectors of natural history books. Original prints from this collection are considered valuable both for their scientific significance and their artistic merit.
• His contributions are often highlighted in the history of ornithology, alongside figures like John James Audubon and Thomas Bewick, illustrating the importance of combining art with science to advance understanding and appreciation of nature.

Prideaux John Selby’s legacy continues to be celebrated by both ornithologists and art historians, reflecting the enduring impact of his work on the study and appreciation of birdlife in Britain.

Brent Bernicle or Brent Goose: A Short Description

The Brent Goose (Branta bernicla), also known as the Brant, is a small, compact goose species known for its long migrations and distinctive black and white plumage. This species belongs to the family Anatidae and is commonly found along coastal regions during its wintering period. Here’s a detailed description of the species:

Physical Appearance:

• Size: The Brent Goose is one of the smaller geese, measuring about 55–66 cm (21.7–26 inches) in length, with a wingspan of 110–120 cm (43–47 inches). It typically weighs between 1,200 to 2,000 grams (2.6 to 4.4 pounds), with males and females being similar in size.
• Plumage:
  • Overall Colouration: The Brent Goose is characterized by its dark, almost black head, neck, and chest, with a distinctive small white patch on either side of its neck. The back and wings are grey-brown, while the underparts are lighter, often with varying degrees of white on the belly depending on the subspecies.
  • Bill and Legs: The bill is short, black, and relatively delicate compared to other goose species, while the legs and feet are also black.
  • Tail and Underparts: The tail is black with a white rump, providing a striking contrast when the bird is in flight.

Habitat:

• Breeding Habitat: The Brent Goose breeds in the high Arctic tundra, where it nests in coastal areas, river deltas, and marshes. These remote, often harsh environments provide safety from many predators.
• Wintering Habitat: During the winter, Brent Geese migrate to temperate coastal regions, favoring estuaries, mudflats, and salt marshes. They are often seen grazing on eelgrass and other coastal vegetation.

Behaviour:

• Feeding:
  • The Brent Goose is primarily herbivorous, feeding on aquatic vegetation such as eelgrass, sea lettuce, and algae. During the winter, it often grazes on saltmarsh plants, grasses, and even agricultural crops in coastal fields.
  • It forages by dabbling and grazing, often in large, noisy flocks that can number in the hundreds or thousands.
• Flight:
  • The Brent Goose is a strong flier, capable of long migrations. Its flight is direct and purposeful, with rapid wingbeats. These geese are known for their V-shaped migratory formations, which help reduce air resistance for the birds following the leader.

Breeding:

• Nesting: The Brent Goose nests on the ground, often in loose colonies. The nest is a shallow depression lined with down and plant material, placed in sheltered locations to protect from the Arctic wind.
• Reproduction: The female typically lays 3 to 5 eggs, which are incubated for about 24–26 days. The goslings are precocial, able to walk and swim shortly after hatching, and they grow rapidly during the brief Arctic summer.

Conservation Status:

• The Brent Goose is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List, but its populations can be vulnerable to habitat loss and changes in food availability, particularly due to climate change and human disturbance in its breeding and wintering grounds.

Distribution:

• Breeding Range: The Brent Goose breeds in the high Arctic regions of Canada, Greenland, Russia, and northern Scandinavia. The breeding season is short and intense, timed to coincide with the brief Arctic summer.
• Wintering Range: During the winter, Brent Geese migrate to temperate coastal regions in Western Europe, including the British Isles, as well as parts of North America’s Atlantic coast.

Vocalisation:

• The Brent Goose is known for its distinctive, low-pitched “cronk” or “rrrot” calls, often heard in flight or when feeding in large groups. These calls help keep the flock together, especially during migration or when feeding in noisy, crowded environments.

The Brent Goose is a resilient and adaptable species, perfectly suited to life in both the extreme conditions of the Arctic and the milder, yet equally challenging, coastal environments of its wintering grounds. Its long migrations and strong family bonds make it a fascinating species for birdwatchers and a vital part of the coastal ecosystems it inhabits.

Why Buy from Us?

At Hornseys, we are committed to offering items that meet the highest standards of quality and authenticity. Our collection of rare etchings is meticulously curated to ensure that each piece is both a valuable and authentic addition to your collection. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Authenticity and Provenance: Every etching is thoroughly researched and verified for authenticity.
• Expert Curation: We select each piece with an eye for historical significance, condition, and visual appeal.
• Customer Satisfaction: We strive to provide an exceptional customer experience, from detailed descriptions to secure and prompt delivery.
• Returns Policy: We offer an unconditional guarantee on every item. If you wish to make a return, any item may be sent back to us within fourteen days of receipt for any reason. We request advance notification of returns, and items must be returned in the same condition as sent for a full refund.

Explore Our Collection:

Visit Hornseys to explore our exceptional collection of original hand-coloured etchings by Prideaux John Selby. Located in the picturesque Yorkshire Dales, our Ripon gallery has been a haven for art lovers and collectors since 1976.