Rising Mallard

1922-1926

Frank Weston Benson captures the chaotic energy of a mallard flock taking flight in this lively 1922 watercolor. Signed and dedicated to his friend John C. Phillips—a fellow ornithologist and conservationist—the piece showcases Benson's incredible ability to freeze motion mid-flap. While Benson is often celebrated for his sun-drenched portraits of women in white dresses, this scene reveals his passion as an avid hunter and bird watcher. The loose, impressionistic brushstrokes in the marshy water and cloudy sky contrast beautifully with the precise, detailed feathers of the ducks, making you feel the splash and wind of their takeoff.

Technique: Watercolor
Material: Paper

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