Artwork

Tengmalm's Owl

Tengmalm's Owl, by Havell, Jr., Robert, ink, 1837
Tengmalm's Owl, by Havell, Jr., Robert, ink, 1837

Tengmalm's Owl is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Havell, Jr., Robert. It dates from 1837 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Tengmalm's Owl is a print created by Robert Havell Jr. in 1837, featuring a detailed depiction of the Tengmalm's owl species.

Subject & Meaning

The print shows two Tengmalm's owls perched on branches, rendered in precise detail with distinctive plumage and facial features, capturing the characteristics of this small owl native to northern Europe.

Technique & Style

The work is a hand-colored engraving and aquatint on Whatman wove paper, showcasing the Havell family's expertise in aquatint and the artist's skill in combining engraving with hand-coloring to achieve a lifelike representation.

History & Provenance

Robert Havell Jr., part of a family of engravers, etchers, and painters from Reading, Berkshire, followed in the footsteps of his father and uncle, continuing a family tradition in printmaking.

Little Owl
Little Owl, Havell, Jr., Robert

Artist & collection

Portrait of Havell, Jr., Robert

Artist

Havell, Jr., Robert

The Havell family of Reading, Berkshire, England, included a number of notable engravers, etchers and painters, as well as writers, publishers, educators, and musicians.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Tengmalm's Owl?

Tengmalm's Owl was painted by Havell, Jr., Robert in 1837.

Where can I see Tengmalm's Owl?

Tengmalm's Owl is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Tengmalm's Owl?

Tengmalm's Owl is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of Tengmalm's Owl?

Museum-quality prints of Tengmalm's Owl are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.