Fork-tailed Petrel

1835

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 two fork-tail petrels flying over stormy ocean waves. The painting illustrates two birds with distinct forked tails and mostly dark plumage. They are depicted with outstretched wings, gliding above rolling waves. The sky is painted to appear overcast and ominous, with layered shades of gray clouds. The dynamic poses of the birds and the turbulent sea below create a sense of motion and energy in the scene.

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

    1945.8.260

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Birds of America, no. 260

Artwork history & notes

Bibliography

1827

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

Wikidata ID

Q65083175

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