David Gentleman: Swan with Three Cygnets

Artist: David Gentleman
1930 -
Nationality: British
Artwork Year: 1992
Image Size: 14.5 by 11.75 inches
Overall Size: 16.75 by 14.25 inches
Medium: Mixed Media on Heavy Water Color Paper

Far from the neglectful parents portrayed in "The Ugly Duckling," adult swans are exemplary guardians. For several months, adult Mute Swans -- male and female alike -- share in the responsibilities of raising their young. The "cygnets" or immature swans desperately need such dedicated care, for they are small, clumsy and naive. Even before the early spring hatch, both parents take turns incubating the clutch of up to eight eggs. After 36 to 38 days, the eggs begin to hatch, a process that can take up to 24 hours from start to finish. During this critical time, when the eggs are in the process of hatching, the male swan will often care for the hatchlings while the female continues to incubate those eggs which haven't yet completely opened. The cygnets emerge short-necked and heavily covered with down. Though cygnets are capable of swimming and running only a few short hours after hatching, the parents carefully tend to them for the next several months. In some swan species, cygnets are even known to ride about on their mothers' backs! It takes about three years for Mute Swans to fully mature, after which pairs form lifelong bonds and together establish a nesting territory ranging from four to 10 acres in size. When the breeding pair has its first success in hatching young, this territory expands to provide additional space for the cygnets to forage for the aquatic plants which are a favorite food.

This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood® First Day Cover of the Great Britain 28p Adults and Cygnet stamp issued January 19, 1993.

Artwork Copyright © 1992 Unicover Corporation. All Rights Reserved under United States and international copyright laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, transmit, or otherwise exploit the Artwork in any way. Images of the Artwork may be watermarked and/or digitally watermarked. Any sale of the physical original does not include or convey the Copyright or any right comprised in the copyright.

Our Stock Number (SKU): XB14063

US$ Price: $1,725.00

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