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Great skua, Stercorarius skua
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Great skua, Stercorarius skua
Great skua, Stercorarius skua.. Handcolored copperplate drawn and engraved by Edward Donovan from his own Natural History of British Birds, London, 1794-1819
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Media ID 14209397
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Edwarddonovan Naturalhistoryofbritishbirds Ornithology
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1. Title: "Majestic Great Skua: A Historical Illustration from Edward Donovan's Natural History of British Birds" The Great Skua, or "Bonxie," as it is commonly known in Orkney, is a large and powerful seabird that has captured the fascination of naturalists and ornithologists for centuries. This exquisite handcolored copperplate engraving, drawn and engraved by Edward Donovan, is an exceptional example of the intricate detail and artistry found in his seminal work, "Natural History of British Birds," published in London between 1794 and 1819. The image depicts the Great Skua in its full regal splendor, with its broad wings spread wide and its sharp, hooked beak poised for a hunt. The bird's dark plumage is meticulously rendered, showcasing the subtle variations in shading and texture that bring the image to life. The background, too, is rich in detail, with the craggy cliffs and churning waves of the North Atlantic providing an evocative backdrop to the Great Skua's dominance of the sea. Edward Donovan was a renowned Irish naturalist and artist, whose work was instrumental in advancing the scientific understanding of British birds during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. His "Natural History of British Birds" was a groundbreaking publication, featuring meticulously observed and illustrated descriptions of over 400 species. This Great Skua engraving is a testament to Donovan's dedication to accuracy and beauty in the representation of the natural world. Today, the Great Skua remains a fascinating and enigmatic creature, with its aggressive hunting tactics and distinctive appearance continuing to intrigue and inspire. This historical illustration offers a captivating glimpse into the world of one of the North Atlantic's most iconic seabirds, as well as a window into the rich artistic and scientific legacy of Edward Donovan and his "Natural History of British Birds.
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