Artwork
Mountain Mocking-bird and Varied Thrush
Mountain Mocking-bird and Varied Thrush is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Robert Havell Jr.. It dates from 1837 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
The top bird is brown and speckled, while the two below have black bodies with bright orange chests and wings.
This image shows three birds perched on a branch with green leaves and small berries. The top bird is brown and speckled, while the two below have black bodies with bright orange chests and wings. The branch curves gently, and the background is plain white, letting the colors of the birds stand out.
The artist used fine lines and shading to make the feathers look real. The names of the birds and the year "1837" are written at the bottom.
Look up engraving to see how artists like this one made detailed prints before photography.
Overview
Mountain Mocking-bird and Varied Thrush is a hand-colored engraving and aquatint on Whatman wove paper created by Robert Havell Jr. in 1837. The print showcases the artist's skill in depicting natural subjects with precision and detail.
Subject & Meaning
The print features three birds perched on a branch with green leaves and small berries. The birds are rendered in different plumage, with the top bird appearing brown and speckled, and the two below having black bodies with bright orange chests and wings.
Technique & Style
The work demonstrates the Havell family's expertise in aquatint, a technique that allows for subtle gradations of tone. Fine lines and shading are used to create a realistic representation of the birds' feathers.
History & Provenance
Robert Havell Jr. was part of a family tradition of engravers, etchers, and artists, following in the footsteps of his father, Robert Havell the Elder, and uncle, Luke Havell.
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.
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