Fine Art, Personified Birds, European, Watercolor, 20th Century

Personified Bird Couple
English/European School
Early 20th century
Watercolor on paper, mounted on card
$825

An amusing cartoon drawing of a personified male and female bird couple dressed in elegant clothes on a walk. The male “gentleman” bird wears a formal royal blue top coat – his tail emerging from the tails of the coat. The dapper bird sports a bow tie, frilly shirt and  top hat and is smoking a pipe while carrying a closed red umbrella under his wing. The female bird, a step behind him, is dressed in a grey shawl and a blue bonnet with flowers on top tied around her head with a black bow. Though facing forward, the male bird eyes indicate a slight annoyance at his partner, and reciprocally her eyes likewise indicate a slight perturbation toward him. This is perhaps to represent the habits of an old couple who have been together for a long time. The plumage of both birds are a lovely yellow shade, and their grey feet are shown with scientific ornithological precision.

Condition: Generally very good with the usual overall light toning, wear, soft creases. Mounted to cardboard, apparently as issued, not affecting the front. Short areas of horizontal toning in upper and lower margins, can be matted out for framing.