1837
ink
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Dominant colour
Ruff-necked Humming-bird is a 1837 ink by Robert Havell Jr., a Romanticism work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This image shows a tall plant with bright green leaves and clusters of pink, bell-shaped flowers. Two hummingbirds hover near the flowers—one with a rusty neck and another with a green back. The leaves are detailed, and the birds have sharp beaks and delicate feathers. The plant’s scientific name is written below, and the whole scene looks carefully drawn. This kind of picture was meant to teach people about nature. Next, check out the technique: engraving, cross-hatching to see how artists made prints like this.
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
