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Open 10:00–5:00

Visit
Open today 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Admission is always free

6th and Constitution Ave NW
Washington, DC 20565

Sculpture Garden Extended Hours

Open late until 8:00 p.m. on select nights
Through September 5
Exhibitions & Events
America’s 250th

Celebrating American art and artists
Art & Artists
Open Call

Artists Reimagining the Collection
Meet the 50 makers selected from more than 1,600 submissions

Lesser 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 two birds in flight against a dark background. The image depicts two terns with detailed feathering and graceful forms. One bird is in a downward gliding posture with folded wings, while the other bird has wings spread wide. The background is a dark, muted blue contrasting with the white tones of the terns.

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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

1945.8.319
Catalogue Raisonné

Birds of America, no. 319

Artwork history & notes

Bibliography

1827

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

Wikidata ID

Q65083402

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