Artwork
Shoveller Duck
Shoveller Duck is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Robert Havell Jr.. It dates from 1836 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Shoveller Duck is a hand-colored engraving and aquatint on Whatman wove paper created by Robert Havell Jr. in 1836. The print showcases the artist's skill in depicting a naturalistic scene with attention to detail.
Subject & Meaning
The print features a shoveler duck, a species characterized by its broad bill, in a natural setting. The detailed rendering of the duck's feathers and texture highlights the artist's focus on capturing the beauty of the natural world.
Technique & Style
The work exemplifies the Havell family's expertise in aquatint, a technique they mastered. The use of hand-coloring and aquatint on wove paper adds to the print's realistic and detailed representation of the duck.
History & Provenance
Robert Havell Jr. came from a family of engravers, etchers, and painters, following a tradition established by his father and uncle. This background likely influenced his skill in creating detailed and realistic prints like Shoveller Duck.
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.
