Artwork
Puffin
Puffin 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
Puffin is a hand-colored engraving and aquatint print on Whatman wove paper, created by Robert Havell Jr. in 1834.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a puffin standing on a rocky cliff with a nest and another puffin in the background, showcasing the bird's distinctive black and white plumage and brightly colored beak.
Technique & Style
Havell Jr., from a family of engravers and artists, employed detailed engraving and aquatint techniques, adding color by hand to create a serene and naturalistic scene.
Context
As a member of a family with ties to Indian art and culture, Havell Jr. worked within a tradition known for aquatint, bringing his expertise to the depiction of a seabird in its natural habitat.
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.
