Sunbather by Debbie Stevens
$2,000.00
Original Oil on Canvas
20×16 inches Unframed
In the late 19th century, the breeding Snowy Egrets long wispy feathers were targeted by plume-hunters in the fashion industry. In 1886 Snowy Egret plumes were $32 an ounce, twice the price of gold. This practice nearly wiped out the snowy egret population in the United States. Flamingoes, Roseate Spoonbills, Great Egrets, Blue Herons and Peafowl were also hunted. In 1901 the Florida State legislature passed a non-game protection law. In 1903 President Theodore Roosevelt signed an executive order establishing Pelican Island as the first national wildlife refuge to protect birds.
During breeding season, the Snowy Egret grows long wispy feathers, their feet adorn golden slippers and they glow with color. The lighting on their elegant feathers and the golden sun inspired me to capture this preening beauty.
