European Roller (Coracias garrulus) — Magnus von Wright (1836)
Turquoise flash, chestnut mantle, lacquered black flight tips: the European Roller perches in poised profile, its colours humming against a spare ground. In 1836, Finnish naturalist–artist Magnus von Wright captured the species with cool precision and quiet drama—ornithology as elegant design.
Why it captivates
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Jewel-toned plumage — saturated blues and teals balanced by warm chestnut.
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Field-true detail — clear bill shape, barring, and flight-feather structure.
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Nordic naturalism — 19th-century draughtsmanship with modern interior appeal.
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Clean composition — a calm backdrop that lets the bird’s colour breathe.
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Conversation piece — science, travel, and design on a single sheet.
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Statement artwork — refined focal point for living rooms, studies, and libraries.
What you’ll see
A side-on roller on a simple branch, body gleaming turquoise, cinnamon back folding into black primaries; neat ground shadow and minimal vegetation for clarity. Up close: crisp contour, feather articulation, and fine tonal hatching. From a step back: a serene, colour-forward silhouette.
A richer historical frame
Part of the 19th-century tradition of ornithological illustration, Magnus von Wright blended careful field observation with disciplined studio finish. His plates helped popularise northern European birdlife for scholars and the public, uniting accuracy with composed, collectible beauty.
Choose your finish
🌟 Heavyweight Paper (160 gsm matte)
Archival-grade, smooth matte stock ideal for framing under glass. Crisp detail, minimal glare.
💎 Laminated (True Encapsulation)
Sealed in 2 × 80-micron gloss laminate, edge-to-edge. Durable, wipe-clean—perfect for busy spaces.
🪵 Laminated + Timber Hang Rails (Ready to hang)
Lacquered natural timber rails with fitted hanging cord; no frame required.
Please allow up to 10 working days for hang-railed delivery.
🏆 Archival Canvas (395 gsm HP Professional Matte)
Museum-quality texture with pigment-based, fade-resistant inks for rich tone and fine detail.
🪵 Canvas + Timber Hang Rails (Gallery-ready)
As above, supplied with lacquered natural timber rails and hanging cord.
Please allow up to 10 working days for hang-railed delivery.
Size (W × H)
716 × 841 mm (approx. 28.19 × 33.11 in)
Custom sizing: Available on request (alternative aspect ratios or added white border).
Specifications
Feature |
Details |
Title |
European Roller (Coracias garrulus) |
Artist |
Magnus von Wright |
Date |
1836 |
Historical Context |
19th-century ornithological illustration—field accuracy with refined studio finish |
Print Size |
716 mm (W) × 841 mm (H) |
Available Finishes |
Paper, Laminated, Laminated + Timber Hang Rails, Canvas, Canvas + Timber Hang Rails |
Paper Weight |
160 gsm archival matte |
Laminate |
2 × 80-micron gloss (true encapsulation) |
Canvas Weight |
395 gsm HP Professional Matte Canvas |
Inks |
Pigment-based, fade-resistant |
Optional Hang Rails |
Natural timber, lacquered; fitted hanging cord (allow up to 10 working days) |
Origin |
Printed in Australia |
Who it’s for
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Birders & natural-history enthusiasts
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Design lovers seeking clean, colour-rich plates
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Collectors & stylists curating elegant, heritage-minded interiors
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Educators illustrating species ID and classic illustration
Our Commitment
Every print is produced locally in Australia on premium substrates with careful colour management, then checked and packed by hand so it arrives ready to impress. From studio to wall, we stand behind the craftsmanship and historical integrity of your piece.
Bring a flash of sky-blue plumage indoors—order your fine-art print of von Wright’s European Roller today.