1836
ink
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Black or Surf Duck is a 1836 ink by Robert Havell Jr., a Romanticism work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This picture shows two birds on a rocky shore. One bird stands tall on a rock, its feathers mostly black with a bright red patch near its beak. The other bird sits on the sand, also black but with a simpler look. Both birds face different directions, and there are shells and a few sticks scattered near the sitting bird. The standing bird has a red ribbon tied around its neck, which looks odd but adds a touch of detail. The artist used careful lines to show the feathers and textures, making the birds look real. Next, look into the technique: engraving.
The Havell family of Reading, Berkshire, England, included a number of notable engravers, etchers and painters, as well as writers, publishers, educators, and musicians.
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