Artwork
Cock of the Plains
Cock of the Plains is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Robert Havell Jr.. It dates from 1837 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Cock of the Plains is a print created by Robert Havell Jr. in 1837 using hand-colored engraving and aquatint on Whatman wove paper.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts two birds standing on a grassy hillside, distinguished by their plumage and crests, set against a backdrop of rolling hills and sparse vegetation.
Technique & Style
Havell Jr. employed fine lines and cross-hatching to capture the texture of the birds' feathers and the surrounding landscape, achieving a detailed representation.
History & Provenance
Robert Havell Jr. came from a family of engravers, etchers, and painters known for their expertise in aquatint and connections to Indian art and culture.
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.
