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This painting depicts two American Scoter Ducks swimming in the water. One duck has dark plumage and an orange beak, while the other has grey-toned feathers and a more subdued beak. The ducks are shown gliding on the water's surface, with detailed patterns on their feathers and reflections in the water. The water has gentle waves, contributing to a sense of movement in the scene. The style of the painting is reminiscent of John James Audubon's detailed bird illustrations.
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This painting depicts two American Scoter Ducks swimming in the water. One duck has dark plumage and an orange beak, while the other has grey-toned feathers and a more subdued beak. The ducks are shown gliding on the water's surface, with detailed patterns on their feathers and reflections in the water. The water has gentle waves, contributing to a sense of movement in the scene. The style of the painting is reminiscent of John James Audubon's detailed bird illustrations.

National Gallery of Art · Print

American Scoter Duck

Robert Havell after John James Audubon

Date
1838
Medium
hand-colored engraving and aquatint on Whatman wove paper
Classification
Print
Accession number
1945.8.408
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 CCCCVIII

Subjects and terms

  • American
  • etching
  • aquatint
  • bird
  • animal
  • Water

NGA object ID 32549. 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.