Artwork
Richardson's Jager
Richardson's Jager 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
Created in 1835, Richardson's Jager is a hand‑coloured engraving combined with aquatint, printed on fine Whatman wove paper. The image depicts two alert birds perched on a grassy slope beside a rocky outcrop, set against a minimal horizon of gentle hills and a pale sky.
Subject & Meaning
The composition focuses on the contrasting plumage of the two birds: the left bird displays a light‑coloured face and dark wings, while the right bird is predominantly dark with lighter striping along its back. Their sharp eyes and curved beaks convey vigilance, emphasizing the naturalistic observation of avian form.
Technique & Style
The work employs traditional engraving methods, with fine lines and cross‑hatching to render feather texture, while aquatint provides broad tonal washes that model the landscape and sky. Hand‑applied colour enhances the birds’ markings, allowing the figures to emerge distinctly from the simplified background.
History & Provenance
Robert Havell Jr., a member of the prominent Havell family of engravers, produced the print. The Havells were noted for their expertise in aquatint and for a long‑standing engagement with Indian artistic subjects, though this particular image portrays a European bird species. Havell Jr. continued the practice established by his father, Robert Havell the Elder, and his uncle, Luke Havell.
Context
The early nineteenth century saw a surge in natural history illustration, driven by scientific exploration and public interest in wildlife. Richardson's Jager reflects this trend, combining accurate anatomical detail with the decorative appeal of hand‑coloured prints, a format popular among collectors and scholars of the period.
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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.
