
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
- 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.