Artwork
Black-throated Diver
Black-throated Diver 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
Black-throated Diver is a hand-colored engraving and aquatint print created by Robert Havell Jr. in 1836, executed on Whatman wove paper. The work depicts an ornithological scene featuring three black-throated divers in a natural setting.
Subject & Meaning
The print showcases three black-throated divers in varied poses (one upright, two seated) amidst a lakeside environment, complete with tall grasses, reeds, and a hazy light blue sky. The composition highlights the species' characteristics, such as their long, pointed beaks and black and white plumage.
Technique & Style
Havell Jr. utilized the aquatint technique, which his family played a significant role in refining. The hand-colored aspect adds depth and realism to the engraving, while the choice of Whatman wove paper was standard for high-quality engravings of the time.
History & Provenance
Created in 1836 by Robert Havell Jr., son of Robert Havell the Elder, the work stems from a Berkshire family renowned for their contributions to engraving, etching, and connections with Indian art.
Context
As an ornithological study, Black-throated Diver reflects the period's interest in natural history and the precise documentation of bird species through art.
Legacy
While specific legacy details of this piece are not provided, it contributes to the broader legacy of the Havell family's technical innovations in aquatint and their contributions to 19th-century natural history art.
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.
