Great Footed Hawk

1827

Robert Havell after John James Audubon

Associated Names
Robert Havell, Jr.

Artist, American, born England, 1793 - 1878

John James Audubon

Artist After, American, 1785 - 1851

The image shows two large falcons with wings spread wide, positioned over a recently killed duck lying on a rocky surface. The color palette is naturalistic, with deep browns and blacks in the falcons' plumage, contrasted by patches of white, and touches of vibrant yellow on their talons and around their eyes. The duck displays dull reds, greens, and blues. Positioned prominently in the center, the falcon on the left has its wings outstretched, while the falcon on the right is bending down towards the duck, with a small, detached feather seen in the air between them.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    hand-colored engraving and aquatint on Whatman wove paper

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Mrs. Walter B. James

  • Dimensions

    plate: 64.8 x 96.5 cm (25 1/2 x 38 in.)
    sheet: 67.2 x 99.7 cm (26 7/16 x 39 1/4 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1945.8.16

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Birds of America, no. 16

  • Series Title

    The Birds of America: Plate XVI

Artwork history & notes

Exhibition History

2005

  • Audubon's Dream Realized: Selections from "The Birds of America". The National Gallery of Art, Washington, 2005.

Bibliography

1827

  • Audubon, John James. The Birds of America. London: 1827-1838.

Wikidata ID

Q65082286

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