Artwork
Kittiwake Gull
Kittiwake Gull 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
Kittiwake Gull is a hand-colored engraving and aquatint print created by Robert Havell Jr. in 1834 on Whatman wove paper.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts two Kittiwake Gulls perched on a rocky cliff, distinguished by their white and gray plumage, with the adult bird featuring a yellow beak and red eyes. The image showcases the artist's attention to detail in rendering the birds' feathers and the textured rocks.
Technique & Style
The work exemplifies the Havell family's expertise in aquatint, a printmaking technique. The use of hand-coloring and aquatint achieves a nuanced representation of the natural scene, with soft clouds and a light blue sky.
History & Provenance
Robert Havell Jr. was part of a family of engravers, etchers, and artists with a notable connection 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.
