Artwork
Bewick's Long-tailed Wren
Bewick's Long-tailed Wren is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Robert Havell Jr.. It dates from 1827 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Bewick's Long-tailed Wren is a hand-colored print created using engraving and aquatint techniques on Whatman wove paper.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a small bird, identified as Bewick's Long-tailed Wren, perched on a branch with leaves. The scene is calm, with the bird's soft brown feathers and long tail rendered in detail.
Technique & Style
The artist achieved texture and depth through fine lines and shading, characteristic of engraving and aquatint. The use of hand-coloring adds a touch of realism to the image.
History & Provenance
The print was produced by Robert Havell Jr. in 1827. Havell came from a family of engravers and publishers known for their expertise in aquatint, with earlier family members contributing to the field.
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.
