Widgeons

London: Published at R. Ackermann's Repository of Arts, 101 Strand, 1810. Mezzotint. Printed on wove paper. Lettered proof, state ii/iii. In excellent condition, with the exception of six skillfully mended tears on bottom margin, not extending near image. One small tear on bottom margin. Image size: 13 5/8 x 17 1/8 inches. A charming proof mezzotint by Charles Turner after James Barenger depicting a pair of widgeons.

James Barenger was born into an artistic family. His father exhibited paintings of insects at the Royal Academy between 1793 and 1799, and his mother was the sister of William Woollett, the celebrated engraver. Barenger was well known as an animal painter, exhibiting at the Royal Academy between 1807 and 1831. He was a keen sportsman and had a natural eye for detail, which brought an appealing realism to his studies. From 1815 onwards he exhibited the majority of his pictures at Mr. Tattersall's auction rooms in London, where they were well received by a diverse audience. Although Mr. Tattersall was his primary patron, Barenger earned a number of commissions from the Earl of Derby, The Duke of Grafton, and the Marquess of Londonderry. His work was widely engraved by some of the most fashionable engravers of the day and his attractive images remain highly desirable to sporting collectors. This strong image of two widgeons is from a series of fourteen prints depicting English game birds. The series, which was mezzotinted by Charles Turner and published by Rudolph Ackermann, is entitled "British Feather Game" and includes images of some of the most important species of English wildfowl.

Siltzer, The Story of British Sporting Prints p. 77-79 ii/iii.