Golden Eagle
Robert Bateman Hand Signed Artist Proof 20″ x 32.75″
“High in an alpine meadow, I was stalking a marmot. Suddenly the marmot whistled and dove for cover. At the same moment I heard a roar of air overhead. A golden eagle, wings bowed, was plummeting across the sky. His aim was not my marmot. The power dive carried him overhead and into the valley beyond. Although the eagle was not concerned about us, I have never forgotten my awe . . . almost reverence. I knew that I had been in the presence of the master of the air. Since the dawn of history, around the northern world the golden eagle has been considered the king of birds. The dignified head, golden nape, the reputation as a brave, clean hunter and the triumphal joy of flying have filled mankind with respect. Only kings were permitted to fly these birds as falcons, and the black-tipped white tail feathers were worn as medals of honour by the bravest Plains Indian.
Whether in the Scottish highlands, the Rocky Mountains or the Arctic, the golden eagle is a bird of the big sky. Its spectacular aerial acrobatics are the most impressive use of wing and air.” Robert Bateman
(From the original painting Golden Eagle – 1979 – 30″ x 48″ Oil)
