Daniel and Robert Havell Paintings

Daniel Havell and Robert Havell, Jr. were two members of the Havell family of artists and printmakers who were active in the late 18th and early 19th centuries in England. They are best known for their association with the famed American ornithologist and painter John James Audubon, and their significant contributions to the production of his monumental work, 'The Birds of America'.

Daniel Havell was born in 1785. He was an engraver and worked with his family in their printing and engraving business. Not much is known about his personal life or training, but it is understood that he was involved in the early stages of working on Audubon's 'The Birds of America' before his untimely death in 1826.

Robert Havell, Jr., born in 1793, was the son of Robert Havell, Sr., who was also an engraver and publisher. Robert Jr. became the most prominent member of the Havell family through his collaboration with Audubon. He took over the family business after the death of his father in 1828 and continued the work that his brother Daniel had begun with Audubon. Robert Havell, Jr. is credited with engraving, printing, and coloring many of the plates of 'The Birds of America'. The project was a massive undertaking and is considered one of the finest achievements in the field of ornithological art. The prints were made from Audubon's original watercolors and were published as a series between 1827 and 1838.

The Havell edition of 'The Birds of America' is renowned for its size—each page measuring around 39 by 26 inches, known as the 'double elephant folio'—and for the quality of its hand-colored aquatint engravings. Robert Havell, Jr.'s role in the project was pivotal; he was responsible for translating Audubon's vision onto the printed page, maintaining the detail and vibrancy of the original works.

After completing 'The Birds of America', Robert Havell, Jr. eventually moved to the United States in 1839, where he continued to work as an artist and engraver. He also painted landscapes and produced prints of American scenery. Robert Havell, Jr.'s contribution to art, especially in the realm of natural history illustration, was significant. He died in 1878 in Tarrytown, New York.

The Havells' work, particularly their collaboration with Audubon, remains a benchmark in the history of wildlife illustration and continues to be celebrated for its artistic and scientific value.