Artwork
Sharp-tailed Grous
Sharp-tailed Grous 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
Sharp-tailed Grouse is a hand-colored engraving and aquatint on Whatman wove paper created by Robert Havell Jr. in 1837.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts two sharp-tailed grouse in a naturalistic setting, standing in a grassy field with a distant mountainous landscape. The birds' brown, white, and black feathers blend into the surroundings, suggesting a detailed study of the species.
Technique & Style
The work showcases the Havell family's expertise in aquatint, using fine lines and shading to achieve a realistic representation of the birds' plumage. The use of hand-coloring adds depth and detail to the engraving.
Context
The print reflects the Havell family's engagement with natural history illustration, and their proficiency in techniques such as aquatint, which was a prominent method for achieving tonal effects in prints during this 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.
