Artwork
Barnacle Goose
Barnacle Goose 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
Barnacle Goose is a hand-colored engraving and aquatint on Whatman wove paper, created by Robert Havell Jr. in 1836. The print showcases the artist's skill in combining engraving and aquatint techniques.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts two barnacle geese on a rocky beach, surrounded by a serene landscape featuring a body of water, mountains, and a cloudy sky. The geese are shown in different postures, with one calling out and the other foraging or resting.
Technique & Style
The work demonstrates the Havell family's expertise in aquatint, a technique they mastered. The hand-coloring adds depth and vibrancy to the image, while the engraving provides detailed renderings of the geese and their surroundings.
History & Provenance
Robert Havell Jr. came from a family of artists and scholars based in Reading, Berkshire, England. His father, Robert Havell the Elder, was an engraver and publisher, influencing Havell Jr.'s career.
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.
