Francis Lee Jaques (1887-1969)
Birds of the Scrubsigned "F.L. Jaques" lower right
oil on canvas, 28 by 24 in.
In his 1954 update of "Florida Bird Life," Alexander Sprunt, Jr. describes this painting: "One of the most characteristic topographical features of Florida is the Scrub, sandy wastes of stunted pine, small oaks and low palmetto. Here dwell birds such as are shown. At upper left is the Loggerhead Shrike, to the right of which is a pair of Florida (Scrub) Jays, and to the right, a Mockingbird. In flight below are two Myrtle Warblers, in lower center, a pair of White-eyed Towhees, the male above. Perched at right center is a Palm Warbler, one of the most abundant wintering birds of Florida."
Few bird illustrators went the lengths that Jaques did to capture birds in their natural environment. His ability to instill a feeling of atmosphere was second to none, and these two oils reveal his mastery.
Provenance: Private Collection, New York
Literature: Arthur H. Howell, "Florida Bird Life," Tallahassee, FL, 1932, pl. 48, illustrated.
Alexander Sprunt, Jr., Florida Bird Life: Based on and Supplementary to Florida Bird Life by Arthur H. Howell, published in 1932, New York, NY, 1954, pl. 48, p. 320, illustrated.
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