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Havell's Tern and Trudeau's Tern

Robert Havell after John James Audubon

National Gallery of Art

This image shows a side view of two terns on a rocky outcrop overlooking a serene body of water. The horizon, distant landforms, and scattered buildings provide a backdrop. The terns are depicted with detailed brushstrokes capturing their feathers and patterns. The color palette includes blues, grays, whites, and warm earth tones. The sky transitions from pale blue to a soft blush near the horizon. Variegated seashells and stones are scattered around the terns.

Artwork Details

Date
1838
Medium
hand-colored engraving and aquatint on Whatman wove paper
Dimensions
3577 × 2256 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
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