Flying Squirrel (ca. 1817)

1817)Samuel Howitt's artwork, "Flying Squirrel," is an exquisite portrayal of the lively and agile creature known for its unique ability to glide through the air. Created around 1817, this painting captures the squirrel in mid-action, emphasizing its dynamic motion and physical characteristics.The painting focuses solely on the squirrel, which is depicted with remarkable detail and precision. The viewer's attention is drawn to the animal's alert expression and its outstretched limbs, which highlight the flying squirrel’s adaptation for gliding. The fur is rendered with nuanced shades of brown and grey, adding a sense of texture and realism to the image. Howitt’s adept use of light and shadow delicately enhances the contours of the squirrel’s body, giving a three-dimensional effect to the figure.Positioned against a plain, lightly colored background, the flying squirrel stands out, making it the central focus of the composition. The simplicity of the background ensures that all attention is directed towards the intricacies of the squirrel’s features and the illusion of movement captured at an exact, ephemeral moment.Samuel Howitt, renowned for his animal and hunting scenes, showcases his keen eye for detail and his ability to capture the essence of wildlife in "Flying Squirrel." This painting not only reflects his artistic skill but also offers viewers a glimpse into the graceful agility of these fascinating creatures.This piece is a celebration of nature's marvels and is sure to captivate any viewer with an appreciation for wildlife art and the subtleties of early 19th-century artistic techniques.