Artwork

Canadian Titmouse

Canadian Titmouse, by Robert Havell Jr., ink, 1834
Canadian Titmouse, by Robert Havell Jr., ink, 1834

Canadian Titmouse is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Robert Havell Jr.. It dates from 1834 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Canadian Titmouse is a hand-colored engraving and aquatint print created by Robert Havell Jr. in 1834 on Whatman wove paper. The work features three small birds arranged around a curved, leafy branch adorned with red berries.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts three Canadian Titmice in varied poses (facing left, right, and down) on a branch, emphasizing movement and energy. The composition centers on the branch, with birds arranged to convey dynamism.

Technique & Style

Havell Jr. employed a combination of engraving for fine details and aquatint for tonal variations, with hand-coloring to enhance textures and tones of both the birds (brown, white, black) and the foliage (green, red).

History & Provenance

Robert Havell Jr., from a family of English engravers and artists based in Reading, Berkshire, created this work in 1834. His background included ties to Indian art and culture, alongside expertise in aquatint techniques.

Context

This piece reflects Havell Jr.'s adherence to a traditional English engraving and aquatint technique, adapted for natural history subjects like the Canadian Titmouse.

Legacy

While specific legacy details of *Canadian Titmouse* are not provided, the work exemplifies Havell Jr.'s contribution to illustrated natural history through precise, detailed printmaking techniques.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Robert Havell Jr.

Artist

Robert Havell Jr.

The Havell family of Reading, Berkshire, England, included a number of notable engravers, etchers and painters, as well as writers, publishers, educators, and musicians.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.