Robert Havell Jr.

Robert Havell Jr. (1793–1878) was a British-American artist and engraver, best known for his work on John James Audubon's "The Birds of America." Born in Reading, England, Havell was part of the Naturalism movement, which emphasized detailed and realistic depictions of nature. In 1839, he emigrated to the United States, where he continued to work as an artist and engraver, capturing the American landscape. His collaboration with Audubon was pivotal, as Havell's skillful aquatint engraving and hand-coloring brought Audubon's ornithological studies to life, making a significant impact on both art and science. Havell's work remains a crucial contribution to the documentation and appreciation of North American wildlife.