Artwork
Red Tailed Hawk
Red Tailed Hawk 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
Robert Havell Jr. produced the print titled *Red Tailed Hawk* in 1829. Executed as a hand‑coloured engraving combined with aquatint, the image appears on high‑quality Whatman wove paper, a material favored for its smooth surface and durability.
Subject & Meaning
The composition captures a red‑tailed hawk in mid‑flight, its expansive wings rendered in stark black and brown tones. Below, a small mammal—interpreted as a rabbit—clutches the bird’s leg with its teeth, creating a dramatic tableau of predator and prey locked in a moment of struggle.
Technique & Style
Havell employed a dual process: a line engraving to define the bird’s anatomy and an aquatint wash to model atmospheric depth. Hand‑colouring adds subtle hues, enhancing the contrast between the hawk’s plumage and the misty, bluish background that suggests distant mountains.
History & Provenance
The work belongs to a family of British engravers; Havell Jr. inherited his craft from his father, Robert Havell the Elder, and his uncle Luke Havell, both noted for their aquatint expertise. A cousin, Daniel Havell, also practiced engraving, underscoring the Havell workshop’s reputation in early‑19th‑century printmaking.
Context
Produced during a period of heightened interest in natural history illustration, the print reflects the era’s fascination with detailed animal studies. Its precise rendering aligns with contemporary scientific publications that sought to document wildlife with both accuracy and aesthetic appeal.
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.
