Great Northern Diver or Loon

Art Historical Context

Behold the majestic **Great Northern Diver or Loon**, a captivating hand-colored engraving and aquatint from1836, crafted by master engraver Robert Havell the watercolor by John James Audubon. This print is a gem from Audubon's epic *The Birds of America* (1827–1838), a groundbreaking folio series that documented over 400 North American bird species in life-size detail. Audubon's passion for ornithology shines through, portraying the loon—a powerful swimmer and diver of northern lakes—in dynamic pose amid its watery habitat, blending scientific precision with artistic drama. The medium elevates its artistry: Havell's aquatint technique masterfully captures subtle tonal gradients for feathers, ripples, and plumage sheen, while meticulous hand-coloring imparts vivid realism on high-quality Whatman wove paper. This labor-intensive process ensured each of the series' 435 plates was a collector's marvel, making natural history accessible to elite audiences and fueling 19th-century fascination with American wildlife. A generous gift to the National Gallery of Art from Mrs. Walter B. James, this print (Department: CG-W) exemplifies the Romantic era's fusion of exploration and aesthetics, inspiring generations to appreciate avian wonders. Step closer and let its elegance take flight! (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...