Artwork
Passenger Pigeon
Passenger Pigeon 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
Passenger Pigeon is a hand-colored engraving and aquatint print on Whatman wove paper, created by Robert Havell Jr. in 1829.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts two passenger pigeons perched on a branch, rendered in shades of blue, brown, and gray against a light beige background. The detailed representation showcases the birds' plumage and their natural surroundings.
Technique & Style
The work exemplifies the Havell family's expertise in aquatint, a technique that allows for nuanced tonal ranges. Characteristic of Romanticism, the print emphasizes the natural world, with visible brushstrokes and texture adding to its emotive quality.
History & Provenance
Robert Havell Jr. was part of a family of engravers, with his father Robert Havell the Elder and uncle Daniel Havell contributing to the family's reputation in printmaking.
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.
