Artwork
Shore Lark
Shore Lark 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
Shore Lark is a hand-colored engraving and aquatint print created by Robert Havell Jr. in 1834 on Whatman wove paper. The work showcases the Havell family's technical prowess in aquatint and their interest in natural history.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts three shore larks (Alauda alpestris) in a naturalistic, earth-toned landscape, emphasizing precise observation of the species' plumage and behavior over aesthetic appeal.
Technique & Style
Employing aquatint and hand-coloring, Havell achieved detailed, textured renderings of the birds and their surroundings, reflecting his family's renown for aquatint expertise.
History & Provenance
Robert Havell Jr., part of a family of artists in Reading, Berkshire, England, produced this work, drawing on his lineage's artistic and publishing background.
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.
Arkansaw Siskin, Mealy Red-poll, Louisiana Tanager, Townsend's Finch and Buff-breasted Finch
Lapland Longspur
Lazuli Finch
Swallow-tailed Flycatcher, Arkansas Flycatcher, Say's Flycatcher, and Female Golden-crested Wren
Chestnut-colored Finch, Black-headed Siskin, Black Crown Bunting and Arctic Ground Finch
Arkansaw Flycatcher, Swallow-tailed Flycatcher and Says Flycatcher
Lazuli Finch, Clay-colored Finch and Oregon Snow Finch
Carolina Cuckoo, Black-billed Cuckoo, Blue Yellow-backed Warbler, and Yellow Red-poll Warbler
Eight birds
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Little Tyrant Flycatcher, Small-Headed Flycatcher, Blue Mountain Warbler, Bartram's Vireo, Short-Legged Pewee, and Rocky Mountain Flycatcher
Red Phalarope