Artwork
Tengmalm's Owl
Tengmalm's Owl 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
Tengmalm's Owl is a print created by Robert Havell Jr. in 1837, featuring a detailed depiction of the Tengmalm's owl species.
Subject & Meaning
The print shows two Tengmalm's owls perched on branches, rendered in precise detail with distinctive plumage and facial features, capturing the characteristics of this small owl native to northern Europe.
Technique & Style
The work is a hand-colored engraving and aquatint on Whatman wove paper, showcasing the Havell family's expertise in aquatint and the artist's skill in combining engraving with hand-coloring to achieve a lifelike representation.
History & Provenance
Robert Havell Jr., part of a family of engravers, etchers, and painters from Reading, Berkshire, followed in the footsteps of his father and uncle, continuing a family tradition in printmaking.
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.
