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Great auk, 19th century artwork C013 / 6308

Great auk, 19th century artwork C013  /  6308


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Great auk, 19th century artwork C013 / 6308

Great auk (Pinguinus impennis), artwork. This flightless bird inhabited the north Atlantic, breeding on rocky islands. It grew up to 85 centimetres tall and weighed around 5 kilograms. It was an excellent swimmer and hunted fish and crabs as well as feeding on plankton. It became extinct in the 19th century, largely due to overfishing for its down. Plate 22 from Watercolour drawings of British Animals (1831-1841) by William MacGillivray. This illustration is dated 1839

Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations

Media ID 9197351

© NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM, LONDON/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

1839 Bird Extinct Flightless Ornithological Ornithology Painting Sea Bird Seabird Water Fowl Watercolour Watercolour Drawings Of British Animals William Macgillivray Great Auk Pinguinus Impennis Plate 22 Webbed


EDITORS COMMENTS
This 19th-century artwork, titled "Great auk" showcases the beauty and uniqueness of this now-extinct flightless bird. The Great auk, scientifically known as Pinguinus impennis, was once found in the north Atlantic region, specifically breeding on rocky islands. Standing at an impressive height of up to 85 centimeters and weighing around 5 kilograms, it possessed remarkable swimming abilities that allowed it to hunt fish, crabs, and even feed on plankton. Sadly, due to overfishing for its down feathers during the 19th century, this magnificent creature met its tragic demise. This particular illustration is part of William MacGillivray's renowned collection called "Watercolour drawings of British Animals" (1831-1841), dating back to 1839. The intricate details captured in this watercolor painting bring forth the essence of the Great auk's physical attributes and habitat. Its webbed feet are prominently displayed as symbols of its adaptability for life in both sea and land environments. As we admire this piece from London's Natural History Museum collection through Science Photo Library's lens, we are reminded not only of the incredible diversity within our natural world but also of our responsibility to protect these delicate ecosystems. Let us cherish such artworks as reminders of species lost forever while inspiring us towards conservation efforts that ensure future generations can appreciate Earth's rich biodiversity.

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