Great Tern

1836

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 Great Tern in mid-dive against a muted blue-gray background. The bird is captured with its wings outstretched and angled downward. The tern's body is primarily white and gray, with a distinctive black cap on its head. Its bill is bright red with a sharp black tip that curves slightly, and one of its feet is visible, displaying a bright red webbing. The details showcase the bird in a dynamic and graceful pose in the style of John James Audubon.

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

  • Accession Number

    1945.8.309

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Birds of America, no. 309

Artwork history & notes

Bibliography

1827

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

Wikidata ID

Q65083366

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