This is a painting of American Sparrow Hawks perched on branches. Three American Sparrow Hawks are depicted among lush green leaves and branches. Their vivid plumage is realistically detailed, with vibrant hues of brown, black, red, and white. The birds are positioned in various poses, one perched upright and the others engaging with their surroundings. Their intricate feathers and the detailed foliage evoke a sense of naturalism and lifelike portrayal. The style is reminiscent of John James Audubon.
Read the visual description

This is a painting of American Sparrow Hawks perched on branches. Three American Sparrow Hawks are depicted among lush green leaves and branches. Their vivid plumage is realistically detailed, with vibrant hues of brown, black, red, and white. The birds are positioned in various poses, one perched upright and the others engaging with their surroundings. Their intricate feathers and the detailed foliage evoke a sense of naturalism and lifelike portrayal. The style is reminiscent of John James Audubon.

National Gallery of Art · Print

American Sparrow Hawk

Robert Havell after John James Audubon

Date
1832
Medium
hand-colored engraving and aquatint on Whatman wove paper
Classification
Print
Accession number
1945.8.142
Credit line
Gift of Mrs. Walter B. James
Time span
1826 to 1850
Department
CG-W

Portfolio and series

Series
The Birds of America: Plate CXLII

Subjects and terms

  • American
  • etching
  • aquatint
  • plant
  • bird
  • animal
  • Nature
  • Writing

NGA object ID 32283. Collection metadata is reproduced under CC0. This work is included because its NGA published-image record is marked open access; visitors should recheck the source record before substantial reuse.