Frank Weston Benson (Salem, Massachusetts, 1862 - 1951, Salem, Massachusetts)
Ducks Swimming, early 20th century
Lithograph, 38 x 48 cm (14 15/16 x 18 7/8 in.)
Rendered in shades of black and white, this horizontally-aligned lithographic print depicts five mallard ducks swimming across a stream of water. A lead duck glides alone on our left followed by a second duck in the center with two ducks in tandem behind. A single duck lags at the rear. All but the last duck are gliding to the left with their heads held high. The last duck has made a slight turn to the right, head lowered as if catching an insect. All ducks have the characteristic markings of a mallard: dark head, bib and tail feathers against a light body and beak. This group leaves a slight wake in the water, indicated by narrow back lines. The horizon is indicated in the background by the sharp contrast between darker patches of shading in the water, possibly cast by clouds, and the mostly lighter sky possibly with cumulus cloud banks. A narrow beige, plain border surrounds the four sides of the work. In the lower right the artist has signed his name, “F.W. Benson” within the lithograph and again in the border on the lower left.
Vatichino
Commentary
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