Artwork
Salt Water Marsh Hen
Salt Water Marsh Hen 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
Salt Water Marsh Hen is a print created by Robert Havell Jr. in 1834 using hand-colored engraving and aquatint on Whatman wove paper.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts two wading birds amidst tall reeds in shallow water, showcasing the artist's attention to detail in rendering their feather textures and the surrounding environment.
Technique & Style
Havell Jr. employed fine lines and soft, earthy colors to capture the natural scene, demonstrating the Havell family's expertise in aquatint and their ability to blend colors.
History & Provenance
The work is part of a family's legacy in the arts, building on the traditions established by Robert Havell the Elder and Luke Havell, who contributed to various artistic fields including engraving, etching, painting, and publishing.
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.
