Artwork
American White Pelican
American White Pelican is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Robert Havell Jr.. It dates from 1836 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
American White Pelican is a hand-colored engraving and aquatint print on Whatman wove paper created by Robert Havell Jr. in 1836.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts an American white pelican standing on a rocky shore with its wings outstretched, set against a dark, stormy sky. The detailed rendering of the bird's feathers and beak creates a lifelike representation.
Technique & Style
The print showcases the artist's technical skill in printmaking, using fine lines to build up texture and create a realistic image. The combination of engraving and aquatint techniques allows for detailed and nuanced depiction of the natural subject.
History & Provenance
Robert Havell Jr. was part of a family of engravers and artists known for their expertise in aquatint and connections to Indian art, reflecting a tradition of technical skill in printmaking.
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.
