David Gentleman: Cygnet and Egg on Nest

Artist: David Gentleman
1930 -
Nationality: British
Artwork Year: 1992
Image Size: 14.5 by 12.5 inches
Overall Size: 16.5 by 14 inches
Medium: Mixed Media on Heavy Water Color Paper

Graceful, dignified and -- according to legend -- silent, the Mute Swan is said to have inspired the fairy tale "The Ugly Duckling." What adolescent hasn't taken comfort in the story of the odd duck that ultimately blossomed into a beautiful swan? And Mute Swans are indeed beautiful and fascinating waterbirds. Sometimes weighing more than 50 pounds, they are the heaviest flying bird. Despite their size, they are also fast: no other waterbirds move as quickly in the air or on the water. But it is for their grace they are cherished. A fixture on the ponds of British country estates, Mute Swans were until the 18th century solely the property of the Crown in England. These semi-tame swans descended from wild swans that were domesticated throughout Britain prior to the 13th century. The feral Mute Swans in North America are the descendants of once-domesticated birds that were imported and escaped confinement. Like their cousins the Canada Geese, Mute Swans mate for life. The male, or cob, and female, known as the pen, take turns guarding the eggs. The cob is unique in that it is the only male waterbird in the Northern Hemisphere to have been observed incubating the eggs when the female is absent. The well-documented evidence of this dedicated care gives pause when one reads "The Ugly Duckling," for the Mute Swan that would abandon its eggs to the care of a common puddleduck would be a rare bird indeed.

This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood® First Day Cover of the Great Britain 33p Clutch of Swan Eggs 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): XB14064

US$ Price: $1,725.00

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