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Red Tailed Hawk

Robert Havell after John James Audubon

National Gallery of Art

This is a painting of two hawks in combat over a hare. The upper hawk has vibrant red tail feathers and intricate patterns of brown, black, and white on its wings, displaying a sense of intense motion and aggression. The lower hawk lies across, its body and wings horizontal, adding tension and drama to the composition. The hare appears lifeless, with a notable detail of red staining near its midsection, indicating a struggle. In the background, a faint outline of distant mountains can be seen. This is in the style of John James Audubon.

Artwork Details

Date
1829
Medium
hand-colored engraving and aquatint on Whatman wove paper
Dimensions
3268 × 4907 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
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