Artwork
Hooded Merganser
Hooded Merganser is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Havell, Jr., Robert. It dates from 1834 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Hooded Merganser is a print created by Robert Havell Jr. in 1834 using hand-colored engraving and aquatint on Whatman wove paper.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a male and female hooded merganser perched on a rocky shoreline, showcasing the birds' distinctive plumage and natural habitat. The detailed rendering of the ducks' feathers and surroundings reflects the artist's focus on realistic representation.
Technique & Style
Havell Jr. employed a combination of engraving and aquatint to achieve a high level of detail and texture, continuing a family tradition of aquatint practices established by his father and uncle. The resulting image features subtle tonal variations and precise rendering of the birds and their environment.
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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.
