Black Skimmer

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 black skimmer bird in flight over the ocean. The painting captures the bird with its long, black wings which contrast against its white underbelly, and a bright red bill that is slightly open as it skims the surface of the sea. The ocean beneath the bird has subtle waves, while the sky above has a serene gradient of blues and grays. The painting exemplifies detailed and naturalistic representation, commonly associated with ornithological illustrations. This is in the style of John James Audubon.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    hand-colored engraving and aquatint on Whatman wove paperr

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Mrs. Walter B. James

  • Dimensions

    plate: 53.3 x 54 cm (21 x 21 1/4 in.)
    sheet: 100.5 x 68 cm (39 9/16 x 26 3/4 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1945.8.323

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Birds of America, no. 323

  • Series Title

    The Birds of America: Plate CCCXXIII

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

Q65083409

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