Who painted Summer Red Bird?

Summer Red Bird was painted by Robert Havell Jr. in 1828.

Where can I see Summer Red Bird?

Summer Red Bird is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Summer Red Bird?

Summer Red Bird is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Summer Red Bird

Robert Havell Jr. , 1828

Summer Red Bird is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Robert Havell Jr.. It dates from 1828 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Summer Red Bird is a hand-colored engraving and aquatint print created by Robert Havell Jr. in 1828 on Whatman wove paper. The piece showcases the Havell family's technical prowess in aquatint, a medium they had mastered, alongside their long-standing connection to Indian art and culture, building on the foundations laid by Robert Havell the Elder and Luke Havell.

Subject & Meaning

Contrary to its title suggesting a singular 'Summer Red Bird,' the print actually depicts three birds in a lush summer environment, complete with green leaves and grape clusters. A deep red bird with a yellow beak, apparently singing, is prominently positioned above a quieter smaller red bird and a yellow bird with brown streaks. The scene emphasizes naturalistic detail over dramatic flair.

Technique & Style

The artwork exemplifies the refined engraving techniques of the Havell family, with meticulous lines capturing the texture of each feather and leaf, lending a lifelike quality to the subjects. The use of aquatint for tonal depth, combined with hand-coloring, reflects the prevalent natural history print aesthetic of the early 19th century, where precision and realism were paramount.

History & Provenance

Created in 1828 by Robert Havell Jr., the print continues the family's tradition in aquatint and their association with Indian art, though the direct influence of Indian aesthetics on this specific work is not immediately apparent. The piece is executed on Whatman wove paper, a high-quality medium common for prints of the era.

Context

Summer Red Bird sits within the broader context of early 19th-century natural history illustration, where detailed, realistic depictions of flora and fauna were highly valued. The Havell family's work, including this piece, contributed to the popularization of such imagery in Britain during this period.

Legacy

While specific lasting impacts of Summer Red Bird on the broader art historical canon are not well-documented, it remains a testament to the Havell family's skill in aquatint and their contribution to the natural history print tradition of the early 19th century.

Artist & collection

Artist

Robert Havell Jr.

The Havell family of Reading, Berkshire, England, included a number of notable engravers, etchers and painters, as well as writers, publishers, educators, and musicians.