Artwork
Broad-winged Hawk
Broad-winged Hawk is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Robert Havell Jr.. It dates from 1830 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Broad-winged Hawk is a hand-colored engraving and aquatint print created by Robert Havell Jr. in 1830 on Whatman wove paper, featuring two hawks in a natural setting.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts two broad-winged hawks perched on a tree branch, one with outstretched wings and the other facing away, set amidst leaves and green berries, conveying a sense of serenity and natural beauty.
Technique & Style
Employing the Havell family's renowned aquatint expertise, the work showcases tonal subtlety and detailed realism, with intricate textures and muted earthy tones dominating the palette.
History & Provenance
Robert Havell Jr. followed in his family's artistic tradition, particularly in aquatint, with influences from his father Robert Havell the Elder and uncle Luke Havell, though no specific provenance details are provided for this piece.
Context
While the Havell family was notably engaged with Indian art and culture, this piece reflects a more universal naturalistic theme, characteristic of early 19th-century wildlife illustration.
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.
