American Bittern- Havell Edition Print

The image depicts an exquisitely detailed illustration of two American bitterns standing amidst tall grasses. The birds have elongated necks, sharp beaks, and intricately patterned feathers in shades of brown and white. Their slender legs and concentrated gaze suggest alertness. The background features lush green reeds, adding depth and context to the scene, creating a serene natural setting. The artwork is meticulously crafted, highlighting the elegant posture and graceful form of the bitterns. The print likely belongs to a collection

The image depicts an exquisitely detailed illustration of two American bitterns standing amidst tall grasses. The birds have elongated necks, sharp beaks, and intricately patterned feathers in shades of brown and white. Their slender legs and concentrated gaze suggest alertness. The background features lush green reeds, adding depth and context to the scene, creating a serene natural setting. The artwork is meticulously crafted, highlighting the elegant posture and graceful form of the bitterns. The print likely belongs to a collection

Name/Title

American Bittern- Havell Edition Print

Entry/Object ID

JJA.L.2025.1

Description

This is an original print by Robert Havell for John James Audubon's "The Birds of America." The print is titled, "American Bittern" and it is Part No. 68, Plate CCCXXXVII (116). The image shows two American Bitterns, one male and one female, in a grassy, marshy, environments standing on bare ground. The male is looking off to the right and the female hunkers down in front of him facing to the left. Inscription below image reads, " Drawn from Nature by J. J. Audubon F.R.S. F.L.S. / American Bittern / ARDEA MINOR. / Male, 1. Female, 2. / Engraved, Printed, & Coloured by R. Havell, 1836.

Artwork Details

Medium

Aquatint, Ink, Watercolor, Paper

Subject

2 American Bitterns

Collection

Friends of Audubon State Park Collection

Made/Created

Artist Information

Artist

John James Audubon, Enraved by Robert Havell, background by George Lehman

Role

Artist

Artist

John Woodhouse Audubon

Attribution

After a drawing attributed to

Role

Artist

Artist

Havell, Robert, Jr., 1793-1878

Role

Engraver

Manufacturer

Robert Havell after John James Audubon

Date made

circa 1838

Time Period

19th Century

Edition

Edition

Havell Edition

Edition Size

435

Edition Number

337

Lexicon

Search Terms

Havell Print, Double Elephant Folio, Birds of America

Dimensions

Width

38 in

Length

25-5/8 in