Virginian Partridge

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 hawk attacking a group of quails. The scene depicts the moment where a large hawk swoops down towards a covey of quails. The hawk is shown with its wings outstretched and talons extended as it dives. The quails, depicted with varied plumage, exhibit a panicked reaction, with some taking flight while others attempt to hide among the grassy landscape dotted with rocks. The background features a subtle rolling hillside. The painting shows detailed textures of the birds' feathers and the tension of the moment.

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 96.8 cm (25 1/2 x 38 1/8 in.)
    sheet: 67 x 100.5 cm (26 3/8 x 39 9/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1945.8.76

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Birds of America, no. 76

  • Series Title

    The Birds of America: Plate LXXVI

Artwork history & notes

Exhibition History

1959

  • The American Muse: Parallel Trends in Literature and Art, Corcoran Gallery of Art, 1959, no. 7.

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

Q65082504

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