.jpg?w=1)
Details
Sergius Nikolajewitsch Alphraky (1850-1918)
The Geese of Europe and Asia being the description of most of the old world species. Translated from Russian by John Marshall. London: R. & R. Clark Ltd. for Rowland Ward Ltd., 1905.
4 (335 x 265mm.) Half-title. Chromolithographic frontispiece by P.P. Sushkin, 24 chromolithographic plates after Frederick William Frohawk, all printed by J.N. Kusnerev of Moscow and mounted on guard. Original green cloth gilt, t.e.g. (extremities slightly bumped).
A fine copy of this first edition in English, illustrated with 'beautiful' plates from Frohawk's 'truthful and masterly drawings' (Preface). The work was first published, in Russian, in 1904. 21 of Frohawk's plates show individual species, the final three show details of beaks. Christine Jackson writes that 'Frohawk must have derived great satisfaction from these paintings. The composition is good and the subjects were familiar to him. They depict the estuary scenes with a small flock of geese in the distance, and a more detailed close view of one bird in the foreground. They are evocative of the atmosphere of the wide open marshes in the peace of early morning. The colouring of the foregrounds and backgrounds is very subtle. The geese figures are lightly outlined in black so that they stand out clearly. The plates are labelled with indications of the birds' sex, the size reduction, and have Frohawk's monogram and the date on which he did the original painting...The brent goose on plate 16 is particularly attractive with beautiful soft greys and blue-greys.' (C. Jackson. Bird Illustrators p.106). Anker 9; Nissen IVB 30; Wood p.188; Zimmer p.6
The Geese of Europe and Asia being the description of most of the old world species. Translated from Russian by John Marshall. London: R. & R. Clark Ltd. for Rowland Ward Ltd., 1905.
4 (335 x 265mm.) Half-title. Chromolithographic frontispiece by P.P. Sushkin, 24 chromolithographic plates after Frederick William Frohawk, all printed by J.N. Kusnerev of Moscow and mounted on guard. Original green cloth gilt, t.e.g. (extremities slightly bumped).
A fine copy of this first edition in English, illustrated with 'beautiful' plates from Frohawk's 'truthful and masterly drawings' (Preface). The work was first published, in Russian, in 1904. 21 of Frohawk's plates show individual species, the final three show details of beaks. Christine Jackson writes that 'Frohawk must have derived great satisfaction from these paintings. The composition is good and the subjects were familiar to him. They depict the estuary scenes with a small flock of geese in the distance, and a more detailed close view of one bird in the foreground. They are evocative of the atmosphere of the wide open marshes in the peace of early morning. The colouring of the foregrounds and backgrounds is very subtle. The geese figures are lightly outlined in black so that they stand out clearly. The plates are labelled with indications of the birds' sex, the size reduction, and have Frohawk's monogram and the date on which he did the original painting...The brent goose on plate 16 is particularly attractive with beautiful soft greys and blue-greys.' (C. Jackson. Bird Illustrators p.106). Anker 9; Nissen IVB 30; Wood p.188; Zimmer p.6