American Water Ouzel

Art Historical Context

Behold the *American Water Ouzel (1837), a print from John James Audubon's monumental *The Birds of America*. Created by master engraver Robert Havell after Audubon's original watercolor, this work captures the elusive dipper bird—known for its daring dives into rushing streams—in vivid, life-sized detail. Audubon's project (1827–1838) revolutionized natural history illustration by depicting birds in dynamic, naturalistic poses amid their habitats, blending art with emerging scientific precision during America's early 19th-century exploration era. Printed as a hand-colored engraving and aquatint on fine Whatman wove paper, the technique shines here: engraving provides crisp lines for feathers and anatomy, while aquatint adds subtle tonal gradients for watery rocks and plumage sheen. Havell's meticulous hand-coloring by a London workshop brought Audubon's vision to life, making each of the 435 plates a collector's marvel. These double-elephant folio prints were luxury items, subscribed to by elites worldwide. Now in the National Gallery of Art's collection (gift of Mrs. Walter B. James), this piece celebrates Audubon's legacy in bridging art, science, and conservation—reminding us of the wild beauty once abundant in American wildernesses. A true gem for bird lovers and print enthusiasts alike!

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...