Richardson's Jager

Art Historical Context

"Richardson's Jaeger," a stunning 1835 hand-colored engraving and aquatint by Havell after John James Audubon, captures the fierce elegance of this Arctic seabird (also known as the parasitic jaeger) in mid-flight. Part of Audubon's groundbreaking *The Birds of America*, this print exemplifies the artist's revolutionary approach to ornithological illustration, depicting birds in dynamic, life-sized poses amid their natural habitats rather than stiff, static portraits. Audubon's keen observation brought American wildlife to vivid life, inspiring generations of naturalists and artists. Havell's masterful translation from Audubon's watercolor elevates the work through precise engraving for fine lines and aquatint for subtle tonal gradations, printed on high-quality Whatman wove paper. The meticulous hand-coloring adds lifelike plumage textures and oceanic blues, making each of the series' 435 plates a collector's treasure. Produced during the height of 19th-century natural history fervor, these double-elephant folio prints were subscription-funded luxuries, blending science and art. Today, housed in the National Gallery of Art as a gift from Mrs. Walter B. James, "Richardson's Jaeger" reminds us of Audubon's legacy in conservation awareness—his detailed studies helped document species at risk even then. A window into early American exploration and artistry, it invites visitors to soar with this clever predator of the seas.

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...