Artwork
American Redstart
American Redstart is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Robert Havell Jr.. It dates from 1828 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
American Redstart is a hand-colored engraving and aquatint print on Whatman wove paper created by Robert Havell Jr. in 1828.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts two American Redstart birds interacting near their nest, which contains eggs. The scene is set amidst foliage with leaves and flowers, rendered in detailed engraving and hand-coloring.
Technique & Style
Havell Jr. employed a combination of engraving and aquatint techniques to achieve a nuanced representation of the birds and their surroundings. The use of hand-coloring adds depth and vibrancy to the image, with careful shading creating a sense of three-dimensionality.
History & Provenance
Robert Havell Jr. came from a family of engravers and etchers from Reading, Berkshire, England, known for their expertise in aquatint and connections to Indian art and culture.
Artist & collection
Artist
The Havell family of Reading, Berkshire, England, included a number of notable engravers, etchers and painters, as well as writers, publishers, educators, and musicians.
