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This is a painting of two American Bitterns standing among tall grass. The birds are intricately detailed, showcasing a mix of browns, creams, and hints of rust. The background consists of tall, green grass. The composition emphasizes the birds' long necks and sharp beaks, as well as their large, webbed feet resting on a wooden surface. This style is reminiscent of John James Audubon.
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This is a painting of two American Bitterns standing among tall grass. The birds are intricately detailed, showcasing a mix of browns, creams, and hints of rust. The background consists of tall, green grass. The composition emphasizes the birds' long necks and sharp beaks, as well as their large, webbed feet resting on a wooden surface. This style is reminiscent of John James Audubon.

National Gallery of Art · Print

American Bittern

Robert Havell after John James Audubon

Date
1836
Medium
hand-colored engraving and aquatint on Whatman wove paper
Classification
Print
Accession number
1945.8.337
Credit line
Gift of Mrs. Walter B. James
Time span
1826 to 1850
Department
CG-W
Original NGA record Wikidata

Portfolio and series

Series
The Birds of America: Plate CCCXXXVII

Subjects and terms

  • American
  • etching
  • aquatint
  • bird
  • animal
  • Grass

NGA object ID 32478. 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.