Artwork
Brown Pelican
Brown Pelican is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Robert Havell Jr.. It dates from 1835 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Brown Pelican is a hand-colored engraving and aquatint on Whatman wove paper created by Robert Havell Jr. in 1835.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a brown pelican perched on a branch with its wings spread, surrounded by foliage. The bird's naturalistic rendering and the serene environment evoke a sense of tranquility.
Technique & Style
The work showcases the Havell family's expertise in aquatint, a technique that allows for tonal subtleties. Fine lines and careful shading convey the textures of the bird's feathers and the surrounding vegetation.
History & Provenance
Robert Havell Jr. was part of a family of engravers and artists from Reading, Berkshire, England, known for their skill in aquatint.
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.
