Magnus von Wright

Magnus von Wright ( born June 13, 1805 in Kuopio, Finland, † July 5, 1868 in Helsinki) was a Finnish painter and ornithologist.

Wright was born in a wealthy family, went to Turku to school and then studied art in Stockholm under CJ Fahlgranz and JF Julin. On the initiative of Ornithology colleagues Nils Bonde, he began his work on Foglar Svenska (1828-1838), a large illustrated book about Swedish birds, where he was supported by his younger brother, Wilhelm von Wright. His two younger brothers, William (1810-1887) and Ferdinand (1822-1906) were also accomplished artists, known for their work on nature, especially about birds.

Following his return in 1829 to Finland working as a cartographer of Wright, Taxidermist and art teacher. In addition to several paintings of animals he also created many landscape paintings and still lifes. In 1857 he undertook a study trip to Dusseldorf. He worked from 1845-1849 as a taxidermist and since 1849 until his death in 1868 as a drawing teacher at the university.