Who painted American Magpie?

American Magpie was painted by Robert Havell Jr. in 1837.

Where can I see American Magpie?

American Magpie is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is American Magpie?

American Magpie is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

American Magpie

Robert Havell Jr. , 1837

American Magpie is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Robert Havell Jr.. It dates from 1837 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

American Magpie, created by Robert Havell Jr. in 1837, is a hand-colored engraving and aquatint print on Whatman wove paper, showcasing the artist's skill in combining these techniques to achieve detailed, realistic imagery.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts two magpies in contrasting poses: one in flight with outstretched wings, the other perched, turning its head towards the viewer. This juxtaposition may symbolize the balance between movement and stillness, or the interplay between freedom and observation.

Technique & Style

Havell Jr. employed hand-coloring over aquatint and engraving to capture the intricate textures of the magpies' feathers and the subtle play of light on their forms. The light beige background enhances the vividness of the birds' plumage, contributing to an overall sense of elegance.

History & Provenance

Part of the Havell family's printmaking legacy, known for their aquatint expertise and connections to Indian art, American Magpie reflects the family's technical prowess in color printing, though specific provenance details for this work are not provided.

Context

Created in 1837, the piece sits within the broader 19th-century interest in natural history and ornithological illustration, where detailed, realistic depictions of birds were highly valued for both aesthetic and educational purposes.

Legacy

While specific legacy or influence of American Magpie on subsequent art or ornithological illustration is not detailed, it contributes to the Havell family's reputation for high-quality, detailed printmaking, particularly in the realm of natural subjects.

Artist & collection

Artist

Robert Havell Jr.

The Havell family of Reading, Berkshire, England, included a number of notable engravers, etchers and painters, as well as writers, publishers, educators, and musicians.