Artwork
Henslow's Bunting
Henslow's Bunting is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Robert Havell Jr.. It dates from 1829 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Henslow's Bunting is a hand-colored engraving and aquatint print on Whatman wove paper, created using a combination of techniques to achieve its detailed and colorful representation of a natural scene.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a bird, identified as Henslow's Bunting, perched on a log amidst foliage and flowers, showcasing the artist's attention to natural detail and suggesting a focus on ornithological accuracy.
Technique & Style
The use of hand-colored engraving and aquatint allowed for a high level of detail and color nuance, characteristic of early 19th-century nature studies. The inclusion of a small sketch in the corner highlights the artist's meticulous approach to capturing natural forms.
History & Provenance
The print was created by Robert Havell Jr. in 1829. Havell was part of a family known for their expertise in aquatint and their connections to Indian art and culture, although this print reflects their work in natural history illustration.
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.
