Spencerian Bird in Red Ink with Branch in Beak, 1896 Red Ink Drawing

 I resist a good number of Spencerian calligraphic birds, drawn on calling cards and sometimes on pages in autograph albums, as this was--they're very lovely, but often one nearly the same as the next.  No way I could pass on this dove though, finely rendered in red ink, branch in beak, by someone quite expert in the form, with quite a complex flurry of furling leaves framing it. A charming example, dated 1896 at lower left. 

 7 3/8" x 5 11/16". Very good condition, ink very strong.