Chestnut-backed Titmouse, Black-capped Titmouse and Chestnut-crowned Titmouse

Art Historical Context

Behold the lively trio of **Chestnut-backed Titmouse, Blackapped Titmouse, and-crowned Titmouse**, stunning 1837 hand-colored engraving and aquatint by Robert Havell after John James Audubon. print hails from Audubon's epic *The Birds of America* (1827–1838), a landmark publication that revolutionized natural history illustration by depicting North American birds at life size. Audubon, a self-taught artist and ornithologist, traveled extensively to observe birds in their habitats, capturing their dynamic poses and intricate details with dramatic realism. Printed on fine Whatman wove paper, the work showcases masterful aquatint techniques for subtle tonal gradations—mimicking watercolor washes—enhanced by expert hand-coloring for vibrant feathers and naturalistic textures. Havell's engraving expertise brought Audubon's original watercolors to a wider audience through the "double elephant folio" edition, making avian beauty accessible to collectors and scientists alike. A gift to the National Gallery of Art from Mrs. Walter B. James, this print (Department CG-W) highlights the 19th-century fusion of art and science, blending Romantic-era precision with educational zeal. Spot the titmice's chestnut accents and alert expressions—tiny marvels that embody Audubon's passion for 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...