Yellow-billed Magpie, Stellers Jay, Ultramarine Jay and Clark's Crow

Yellow-billed Magpie, Stellers Jay, Ultramarine Jay and Clark's Crow

Robert Havell Jr.

1837

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

About this work

This print shows four birds perched on branches and leaves. The top bird has bright blue wings and a black head, while the others mix grays, blacks, and whites. Green leaves and small cones fill the background, making the scene look like a forest. The artist used fine lines and shading to make the feathers look real. The names under each bird—like *Steller’s Jay*—tell you which species they are. Next, check out how engraving works to see how artists create detailed prints like this.

More by Robert Havell Jr.

Artifact World Gallery — 100,000 artworks Get the app