Who painted Cedar Bird?

Cedar Bird was painted by Havell, Jr., Robert in 1828.

Where can I see Cedar Bird?

Cedar Bird is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Cedar Bird?

Cedar Bird is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of Cedar Bird?

Museum-quality prints of Cedar Bird are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Cedar Bird

Havell, Jr., Robert , 1828

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

About this work

Overview

Cedar Bird is a hand‑colored engraving and aquatint produced in 1828 by Robert Havell Jr. The image is printed on Whatman wove paper, a smooth, high‑quality support favored by printmakers of the period. It presents a quiet natural scene in which two small birds rest on a cedar branch, their vivid plumage set against a muted background.

Subject & Meaning

The composition shows a pair of birds, one yellow‑brown and the other similarly colored, each with black beaks and bluish‑gray wings, positioned opposite one another on a branch laden with leaves and berries. The tranquil setting and balanced arrangement suggest a study of harmony in nature rather than a narrative episode, inviting quiet observation.

Technique & Style

Havell employed a combination of engraving and aquatint, the latter allowing broad, tonal washes that convey the softness of foliage and sky. Hand‑coloring was applied after printing, enhancing the birds’ bright feathers while preserving the delicate tonal gradations characteristic of the Havell workshop’s refined reproductive approach.

History & Provenance

Robert Havell Jr. belonged to a prominent family of engravers from Reading, Berkshire, working alongside his father, Robert Havell the Elder, and his uncle, Luke Havell, both respected for their instructional drawing manuals and print work. The Havells were noted for their expertise in aquatint and for producing images that engaged with Indian artistic motifs, reflecting broader cultural interests of early‑19th‑century Britain.

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Artist & collection

Artist

Havell, Jr., Robert

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