Manks Shearwater

Art Historical Context

Behold the *Manks Shearwater*, a stunning hand-colored engraving and aquatint by Robert Havell, faithfully reproducing John James Audubon's meticulous watercolor from 1836. This print a gem from Audubon's monumental *Birds of America* (1827–1838), the most ambitious ornithological project of its time. Audubon, a pioneering naturalist and artist, captured birds in life-sized, dynamic poses amid their natural habitats, revolutionizing scientific illustration by blending artistic flair with empirical observation. Here, the shearwater—a seabird known for its long migrations across the Atlantic—soars with Audubon's signature realism, highlighting its sleek form and oceanic prowess. Crafted on high-quality Whatman wove paper, the medium exemplifies 19th-century printmaking excellence. Havell's aquatint technique lent subtle tonal gradations to feathers and waves, while fine engravings ensured precise details, and skilled colorists hand-applied vibrant hues, making each of the series' 435 plates uniquely alive. This labor-intensive process elevated prints from mere reproductions to collectible artworks, bridging art and science for a fascinated public. Now at the National Gallery of Art through the generous gift of Mrs. Walter B. James, *Manks Shearwater* invites us to marvel at Audubon's passion for America's wild avian world—and its enduring legacy in conservation awareness. (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...