Californian Vulture
Medium
hand-colored engraving and aquatint on Whatman wove paper
Dimensions
plate: 96.5 x 65.5 cm (38 x 25 13/16 in.) sheet: 100.6 x 68 cm (39 5/8 x 26 3/4 in.)
Classification
Department
CG-W
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Gift of Mrs. Walter B. James
Accession Number
1945.8.426
Art Historical Context
Behold the majestic *Californian Vulture* (1838), a stunning hand-colored engraving and aquatint by Robert Havell after John James Audubon from the monumental *Birds of America series. Audubon, a pioneering naturalist and artist, sought to depict every known North American bird species life-size in dynamic, naturalistic poses, revolutionizing wildlife illustration during the early 19th century. This imperial folio print captures the vulture—now known as the California condor a dramatic scene, perched with prey amid rugged terrain, reflecting Audubon's fieldwork travels and commitment to scient...
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...