1829
ink
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Republican Cliff Swallow is a 1829 ink by Robert Havell Jr., a Romanticism work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This picture shows two birds perched on a rough cliff face. One bird is flying near the top, while the other sits below, facing away. The cliff has hollows carved into it, some with small twigs inside. The birds have black wings, white bellies, and bright red patches on their faces and chests. The artist labeled the birds "Republican Cliff Swallow" and noted their nest-building habits. The careful details in the feathers and rock texture make the scene look almost real. Check out the technique: engraving to see how artists like this created sharp, precise images.
The Havell family of Reading, Berkshire, England, included a number of notable engravers, etchers and painters, as well as writers, publishers, educators, and musicians.
See the richer artist page
