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Ptarmigan in a Landscape

By 1833
Sir Edwin Landseer (English, 1802–1873)
Two ptarmigans, the favorite birds of sport in Scotland, have been shot by a hunter. While the male dies, his wounded mate continues to guard the nest. Landseer often used animals to comment on the human condition. Here, birds that mate for life are made to represent the tragic impact of violence on love and the strength of familial commitment.

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