Artwork
Ferruginous Thrush
Ferruginous Thrush is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Robert Havell Jr.. It dates from 1831 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Ferruginous Thrush is a hand-colored engraving and aquatint print created by Robert Havell Jr. in 1831 on Whatman wove paper. The work showcases a naturalistic scene of ferruginous thrushes amidst foliage.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts three ferruginous thrushes engaged in flight and perching near a nest containing eggs, set amidst intricately detailed greenery. The species-specific rendering highlights the period’s focus on accurate natural history illustration.
Technique & Style
Havell employed aquatint to achieve nuanced tonal gradations, characteristic of the technique. The hand-colored aspect adds vibrancy, with careful shading on the birds and foliage, blending realism with the inherent qualities of printed media.
History & Provenance
Created within the Havell family’s tradition of artistic and publishing endeavors, this piece reflects their expertise in aquatint and engagement with both European and South Asian art practices.
Context
Produced in 1831, the print aligns with the era’s emphasis on naturalistic illustration and the reproductive capabilities of printmaking, catering to the growing interest in natural history and visual documentation.
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.
