Who painted Great American Shrike or Butcher Bird?

Great American Shrike or Butcher Bird was painted by Robert Havell Jr. in 1834.

Where can I see Great American Shrike or Butcher Bird?

Great American Shrike or Butcher Bird is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Great American Shrike or Butcher Bird?

Great American Shrike or Butcher Bird is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Great American Shrike or Butcher Bird

Robert Havell Jr. , 1834

Great American Shrike or Butcher Bird 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

Great American Shrike or Butcher Bird is a hand-colored engraving and aquatint print created by Robert Havell Jr. in 1834 on Whatman wove paper, showcasing the artist's skill in capturing natural subjects through nuanced printmaking techniques.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a group of Great American Shrikes in varied poses on a tree branch, amidst leaves and red berries, conveying a sense of dynamic movement and energy through careful composition and coloring.

Technique & Style

Havell Jr. employed aquatint and hand-coloring to achieve detailed textures, such as the birds' feathers and tree bark, demonstrating the Havell family's renowned expertise in aquatint for subtle tonal gradations.

History & Provenance

As a member of a multi-generational family of artists, Robert Havell Jr.'s work reflects his lineage's tradition in printmaking, though specific provenance details for this piece are not provided.

Context

Created in the early 19th century, the work represents a North American species, aligning with contemporary interests in natural history and the artistic depiction of local wildlife.

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.