Long-tailed Duck

Art Historical Context

Behold the vibrant "Long-tailed Duck," a hand-colored engraving and aquatint on Whatman wove paper created in 1836 by Robert Havell after John James Audubon. This print is a gem from Audubon's legendary *The Birds of America* (1827–1838), the monumental double-elephant-folio publication that revolutionized natural history illustration. Audubon, a pioneering American ornithologist and artist, depicted birds life-size in dynamic, naturalistic poses amid their habitats, blending scientific precision with artistic flair. Havell's masterful engraving captured Audubon's watercolor originals, transforming them into exquisite prints subscribed to by luminaries worldwide. The technique shines here: engraving provided intricate feather details and bold lines, while aquatint added subtle tonal gradations for lifelike textures and watery reflections. Hand-coloring by skilled London artisans brought the duck's iridescent plumage and ocean spray to vivid life on high-quality Whatman paper, ensuring durability and elegance. This method elevated prints from mere reproductions to collectible artworks, making Audubon's vision accessible beyond his originals. Now in the National Gallery of Art's collection—thanks to the generous gift of Mrs. Walter B. James—this piece celebrates the 19th-century fusion of art, science, and exploration. It invites visitors to marvel at the Long-tailed Duck's graceful form, a testament to humanity's enduring fascination with the natural world.

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...