Artwork
Red-throated Diver
Red-throated Diver 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
Robert Havell Jr. produced the hand‑coloured engraving and aquatint titled *Red‑throated Diver* in 1834. Executed on Whatman wove paper, the print presents a naturalistic rendering of the bird perched on a rock beside water, accompanied by other waterfowl. The composition emphasizes fine detail and a subtle tonal range that conveys depth and realism.
Subject & Meaning
The central figure is a red‑throated diver, identifiable by its white neck, dark back and distinctive throat coloration. Surrounding birds, some swimming and others on the shore, create a small ecological tableau that reflects 19th‑century interest in accurate ornithological observation.
Technique & Style
Havell combined traditional engraving with aquatint, then applied hand‑applied colour to achieve nuanced shading. The use of aquatint allows for soft, watercolor‑like washes, while the engraved lines define feather texture. The overall style aligns with contemporary scientific illustration, prioritising fidelity over romantic dramatization.
History & Provenance
The print emerges from the Havell family of Reading, Berkshire, a lineage noted for printmaking and publishing. Robert Havell Jr. followed his father, Robert Havell the Elder, and his uncle, Luke Havell, both established engravers. Their workshop was known for collaborations with naturalists and for producing works that circulated among collectors of natural history.
Context
Created during a period when British natural history societies commissioned detailed bird illustrations, the work reflects the era’s systematic study of fauna. The Havells’ connections to Indian art and broader print culture informed their technical expertise, particularly in aquatint, which was prized for its capacity to render subtle tonal variations.
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.
