Artwork
Red-cockaded Woodpecker
Red-cockaded Woodpecker 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
Overview
Red-cockaded Woodpecker is a hand-colored engraving and aquatint print created by Robert Havell Jr. in 1837 on Whatman wove paper. It showcases the subject in meticulous detail, characteristic of the era's natural history illustrations.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts two red-cockaded woodpeckers perched on a textured tree branch, distinguished by their black-and-white stripes, red head patches, and alert postures. The accurate rendering of plumage and bark reflects the artistic emphasis on naturalistic representation.
Technique & Style
Havell Jr. leveraged his family's renowned expertise in aquatint, combining it with hand-colored engraving to achieve intricate textures and colors. The work exemplifies the Havell family's technical proficiency and their engagement with Indian art influences.
History & Provenance
Robert Havell Jr. followed in the footsteps of his illustrious family members, including his father Robert Havell the Elder and uncle Luke Havell, all prominent in the field of engraving and art.
Context
Created in 1837, the piece aligns with the period's fascination with detailed natural history illustrations, reflecting both artistic and scientific interests of the time.
Legacy
While specific legacy details of *Red-cockaded Woodpecker* are not provided, it contributes to the broader appreciation of the Havell family's contributions to aquatint and natural history art, influencing subsequent generations of naturalist artists.
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.
