Artwork
Summer or Wood Duck
Summer or Wood Duck 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
Summer or Wood Duck is a hand-colored engraving and aquatint print created by Robert Havell Jr. in 1834 on Whatman wove paper. The work showcases the artist's skill in combining engraving and aquatint techniques.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a group of wood ducks amidst foliage, with one male distinguished by its iridescent blues and greens. The species is often symbolically linked to summer in naturalist art. The inclusion of a nest with eggs enhances the seasonal and naturalistic theme.
Technique & Style
Havell Jr. employed precise engraving to render detailed feathers and leaves, characteristic of contemporary scientific illustrations. The aquatint technique added tonal depth, while hand-coloring brought vibrancy to the image, evident in the bold, realistic portrayal of the ducks' plumage and the orange beaks.
History & Provenance
As a member of the Havell family, known for their expertise in aquatint and connections to Indian art, Robert Havell Jr.'s work reflects his lineage in engraving and publishing, following in the footsteps of his father, Robert Havell the Elder.
Context
Created in 1834, the piece aligns with the era's emphasis on detailed natural history illustrations, where accuracy and realism were paramount. The use of Whatman wove paper, known for its durability and texture, was typical for prints of this period.
Legacy
While specific legacy details of Summer or Wood Duck are not highlighted, the piece contributes to the broader appreciation of 19th-century naturalist printmaking and the Havell family's contributions to the field of engraving and aquatint.
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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.
