Who painted Fish Crow?

Fish Crow was painted by Robert Havell Jr. in 1832.

Where can I see Fish Crow?

Fish Crow is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Fish Crow?

Fish Crow is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Fish Crow

Robert Havell Jr. , 1832

Fish Crow is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Robert Havell Jr.. It dates from 1832 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1832, *Fish Crow* is a hand‑colored print that combines engraving with aquatint on a sheet of fine Whatman wove paper. The image depicts two black crows perched amid autumnal foliage, one clutching a small prey item, set against a backdrop of ferns and bark that suggests a woodland setting.

Subject & Meaning

The work presents the North American fish crow (Corvus ossifragus) in a naturalistic pose, emphasizing its predatory behavior and the seasonal environment. By focusing on the birds’ interaction with their surroundings, the print conveys a study of wildlife rather than allegorical or narrative content, inviting observation of the species’ habits.

Technique & Style

Havell employed a combination of line engraving for precise outlines and aquatint to achieve tonal washes that model the feathers, leaves, and bark. After printing, the image was hand‑colored, adding subtle reds to the foliage and muted tones to the birds, a method typical of early‑19th‑century natural history illustration.

History & Provenance

The print was produced by Robert Havell Jr., a member of the Havell family renowned for their contributions to printmaking. His father, Robert Havell Elder, was an established engraver and publisher. The Havells were also involved in the dissemination of Indian art, though *Fish Crow* reflects their broader interest in documenting natural subjects.

Context

During the 1830s, European and American audiences showed growing fascination with detailed studies of fauna, often circulated through scientific societies and publications. Havell’s expertise in aquatint made his prints valuable for both aesthetic appreciation and educational purposes, aligning the work with contemporary trends in natural history illustration.

Artist & collection

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.