Peregrine Falcon

Name: JOSEPH WOLF (BRITISH, 1820-1899)
Brand: Peregrine Falcon
Price: 4200.00 USD
Availability: SoldOut

Price Realised USD 5,292

Estimate

USD 8,000 - USD 12,000

Closed: 20 Oct 2023

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JOSEPH WOLF (BRITISH, 1820-1899)

Peregrine Falcon

Price Realised USD 5,292

Closed: 20 Oct 2023

Price Realised USD 5,292

Closed: 20 Oct 2023

Details Lot Essay Related Articles More from

JOSEPH WOLF (BRITISH, 1820-1899)
Peregrine Falcon
signed and dated 'J.Wolf 1861.' and numbered '1.17.' (lower right)
pencil and watercolor heightened with white and with scratching out on paper
21⁷⁄₈ x 14⁷⁄₈ in. (55.6 x 38 cm.)

The Godman Collection of Watercolours for John Gould's The Birds of Great Britain; Christie's, London, 4 October 1994, lot 14.
Acquired by Ann and Gordon Getty from the above.

J. Gould, The Birds of Great Britain, London, 1873, vol. I, pl. 17.

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Nathalie FerneauHead of Sale, Junior Specialist

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Lot Essay

John Gould, who wrote , stated that the Peregrine, with its powerful pectoral muscles and long, pointed wings was admirably suited for rapid flight. It flew at a speed estimated at 150 miles an hour 'but this rate of progression is nothing compared to the impetuosity of its stoop when descending upon its quarry.'
In the background Wolf illustrated a dramatic stoop which Gould had seen while shooting in the Scottish Highlands. A Mallard pursued with 'meteor-like quickness' by a Peregrine was 'struck dead, its back being ripped open by a stroke of the Peregrine's hind claw.' Gould believed that this lightning strike in mid-air was the usual method used by the Peregrine for attacking its victim.
The female, shown about three-quarters life-size in the foreground of the illustration, is always larger than the male.