Study of a Dead Duck

Albrecht Dürer 1471 - 1528

Summary

A reproduction produced by the Vasari Society of a drawing by Albrecht Dürer. The drawing is of a dead duck laid out with its beak at the top and its feet at the bottom. The duck's head, neck and tail are a reddish brown, while the rest of the duck is grey. The feathers are finely detailed. Four diagonal lines across each corner frame the drawing, and it is initialled and dated next to the duck's beak. Text from the accompanying booklet produced by the Vasari Society: "No. 19 ALBRECHT DÜRER (b. 1471; d. 1528) STUDY OF A DEAD DUCK Collection of Max Bonn, Esq. Body-colour and water-colour on vellum. Signed, and dated 1515. 23.3 x 12.7 cm. (9 1/8 x 5 in.). The duck is a Common Pochard (Fuligula ferina). The drawing, with its marvellous realism and finesse, to which the reproduction, though excellent, cannot do entire justice, is one of the most accomplished of Dürer's studies of still life. It has never been reproduced before. It is believed to have been in the collection of Horace Walpole at Strawberry Hill, but direct confirmation of this statement is lacking. C. D."