Work In Progress > Falcon
1,000 feet above the open plain a Peregrine falcon flies alone, keen eyes fixed on its prey below. The dive, or stoop, at speeds of up to 200 mph, is breath-taking to watch.
Known as the sport of kings, falconry was known in the Fertile Crescent as early as 3000 BC. Falconry was highly popular in Europe up until the French Revolution. Throughout history images of kings and sultans in the Arabian Gulf states are seen with birds on their arms as they ride out to hunt. The rich history and tradition surrounding falconry, and the facts of this fastest creature on earth, are only suggested in my painting of an Omani man in his traditional dress with his falcon.
It’s the romance of ancient history, the drama and the pageantry associated with falconry in the Middle East, the elegance of robed Arab royals that attract me, and the proud, alert falcon perched on a man’s gauntlet, ready for flight.