Artwork
Red-headed Woodpecker
Red-headed Woodpecker is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Robert Havell Jr.. It dates from 1828 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1828, this print presents a study of the red‑headed woodpecker rendered in hand‑colored engraving and aquatint on fine Whatman wove paper. The image captures four birds—one in flight and three perched on a textured trunk—showcasing the species’ distinctive crimson crown and striped plumage with meticulous detail.
Subject & Meaning
The composition focuses on the natural behavior of the woodpecker, illustrating both aerial motion and stationary foraging. By portraying the bird in multiple poses, the work serves both as a visual record of the species and as an example of early 19th‑century interest in documenting wildlife for scientific and educational purposes.
Technique & Style
The print combines line engraving with aquatint, a method that allows subtle tonal variations through acid‑etched plates. Hand‑applied watercolor accents highlight the bird’s red head and the bark’s rough surface, while fine hatching and shading give the feathers and wood a convincing three‑dimensional quality typical of contemporary natural history illustration.
History & Provenance
Produced by Robert Havell Jr., a member of the renowned Havell family of engravers based in Reading, Berkshire, the piece reflects the dynasty’s expertise in aquatint and their broader engagement with natural history subjects. The Havells were active publishers and illustrators, and this work exemplifies their contribution to the visual documentation of fauna during the period.
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.
