Whip-poor-will

1830

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

This is a painting of a natural scene with birds, insects, and foliage. Two whip-poor-wills are perched on a branch with a background of green leaves. One bird is flying, showing its brown and white feathers extended. There are two moths with brown and pink wings, and red and yellow patterns, as well as a caterpillar on a leaf. The details are meticulously rendered, capturing the textures of feathers, leaves, and bark with fine lines and shading. The style is reminiscent of John James Audubon, known for detailed and accurate illustrations of birds in their habitats.

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: 65.2 x 52.5 cm (25 11/16 x 20 11/16 in.)
    sheet: 99.7 x 67 cm (39 1/4 x 26 3/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1945.8.82

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Birds of America, no. 82

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

Q65082534

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