Artwork
White-winged Silvery Gull
White-winged Silvery Gull 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
White-winged Silvery Gull is a hand-colored engraving and aquatint print on Whatman wove paper, created by Robert Havell Jr. in 1835. It features two seagulls set against a dramatic, stormy sky.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts two white seagulls in contrasting poses: one perched on a rocky outcropping, the other lying on the ground. The scene emphasizes drama and tension through its composition and color palette.
Technique & Style
Havell Jr. utilized hand-colored engraving and aquatint techniques to achieve detailed, textured renderings of the gulls, rocky outcropping, and stormy sky, characterized by a muted yet vibrant color scheme.
History & Provenance
Robert Havell Jr. followed in his family's tradition of engraving and aquatint specialization, with ties to Indian art and culture influencing their printmaking prominence. However, specific provenance details for this work are not provided.
Context
The Havell family's engagement with Indian art and their established craft background contextualize the technical proficiency of White-winged Silvery Gull, though its direct relation to Indian influences is unclear.
Legacy
While the broader legacy of Robert Havell Jr. and his family in printmaking is notable, the specific enduring impact or notable exhibitions of White-winged Silvery Gull are not detailed in the available information.
Own this work as a print
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.
