Common American Swan
1838
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1838
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Dominant colour
Common American Swan is a 1838 ink by Robert Havell Jr., a Romanticism work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This painting depicts a majestic white swan in profile, its long neck curved elegantly as it stands in the water. The swan's black beak and legs contrast with its white feathers, while its yellow eyes seem to gaze out at the viewer. In the foreground, yellow water lilies with green leaves float on the surface of the water. The background of the painting features a serene landscape with a blue sky, trees, and a body of water that stretches out behind the swan. The overall atmosphere of the painting is one of tranquility and beauty. The artist's use of color and composition creates a sense of depth and dimensionality, drawing the viewer's eye to the swan as the central subject. For more information on the artist behind this work, explore the Romanticism movement and the contributions of Havell, Jr., Robert.
