Bullock's Oriole, Baltimore Oriole, Mexican Goldfinch and Varied Thrush

Art Historical Context

Behold the vibrant "Bullock's Oriole, Baltimore Oriole, Goldfinch and Variedush," a stunning 1838 hand-colored engraving and aquatint by Robert Havell after John James Audubon. print hails from Audubon's monumental *Birds of America*, a groundbreaking series published between 1827 and 1838 that revolutionized natural history illustration. Audubon a pioneering ornithologist and artist, captured birds in life-size, dynamic poses amid their natural habitats, blending scientific precision with artistic drama to educate and captivate audiences. Havell's masterful engraving and aquatint techniques on high-quality Whatman wove paper allowed for exquisite detail and luminosity, while hand-coloring by skilled artisans brought Audubon's original watercolors to vivid life. The four North American species—showcasing the orioles' bold black-and-orange plumage, the goldfinch's sunny yellows, and the thrush's subtle earth tones—highlight Audubon's obsession with accuracy, drawn from his exhaustive field observations. Now in the National Gallery of Art as a gift from Mrs. Walter B. James, this print exemplifies 19th-century innovation in printmaking, making elite art accessible and preserving avian beauty for generations. A true feast for the eyes and a nod to America's wild heritage! (198 words)

About the Artist

Robert Havell after John James Audubon

Robert Havell Jr., born on November 25, 1793, in Reading, Berkshire, England, was the son of renowned engraver and publisher Robert Havell Sr. and Lydia Miller Phillips. Growing up in a family of artists that included notable engravers and etchers, he trained under his father, mastering aquatint techniques early on. Though briefly estranged from the family business, Havell reconciled with his fath...