Description
Old Willow Mandarin Pair – 10-1/4 x 21-3/4; Offset Paper; Edition Size 950; $245.00 U.S.
“The Mandarin duck is aptly named. It comes from the Orient and is attired in glorious plumage
reminiscent of the elaborate silk costumes of traditional Chinese officials. Some say that the
mandarin duck is the most beautiful of all waterfowl. The only other member of the genus
“Aix” is the wood duck, an appropriate rival for the title of the duck with the most gorgeous
plumage. Like the wood duck, the mandarin nests in hollow trees where dense deciduous
forests border ponds, lakes or slow moving rivers.
The distribution in the wild of the mandarin duck is eastern China for breeding, while wintering
in Japan. However, hunting and particularly habitat destruction in China have reduced the
wild population drastically, and it continues to decline. In spite of this, there is good news.
This beautiful bird has been much prized as a captive in collections in North America,
Britain and Europe. Through the years, escapees have settled down to breed and now there
are thousands found in suitable habitats on other continents. Unlike many introduced species,
this one seems to be an attractive addition which is perfectly harmless.
In this painting I included the weeping willow which is also native to China and graces traditional
Oriental art. I like the horizontal format with the counterpoint of twisted branches and delicate twigs.”
Robert Bateman
Biography
Robert Bateman has been called the most famous living artist. He continues to paint and tour the world to promote conservation and preservation of nature. We have represented Robert Bateman for decades and are now the sole publisher and distributor of his reproductions. We are so honored to work with him and witness his success. He has made such a massive contribution to the art world and the natural world as an artist and educator of the earth’s most important resources.
Nature as a subject is becoming more and more popular as our environment is in peril. What better subject is there than the beautiful creatures we share this world with? Robert Bateman’s appreciation and understanding of nature are apparent in his paintings. He is able to paint flora and fauna the way your eye would perceive it in real life. It is important that the animal takes full attention. The background becomes muted, and therefore it doesn’t take too much focus away from the subject. His paintings seem effortless and masterful all at once.
Bateman’s eye for composition is unparalleled. Each painting is a composed like a symphony, leading the eye to wander. From the backyards of North America to the sprawling plains of Africa. Robert Bateman captures nature the way it should be enjoyed. Above all he is a champion of wildlife. For this reason he has become a household name for art collectors.
