Artwork
Great Esquimaux Curlew
Great Esquimaux Curlew is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Havell, Jr., Robert. It dates from 1835 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Great Esquimaux Curlew is a hand-colored engraving and aquatint on Whatman wove paper, created by Robert Havell Jr. in 1835.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts an Eskimo curlew, a North American bird species, standing on a rocky shore with tall green plants behind it. The bird's posture is characterized by its arched neck and raised bill.
Technique & Style
The work showcases the Havell family's expertise in aquatint, with fine lines used to detail the bird's feathers. The print was made using etching and hand-coloring techniques, resulting in a naturalist style representation of the bird.
History & Provenance
Robert Havell Jr. was part of a family of engravers, building on the work of earlier family members such as Luke Havell and Robert Havell the Elder, who had connections to Indian art and culture.
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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.
