Offering of the Day: "Death of a Warrior: White Headed Eagle, Canvas Back Duck & Young (The Death of a Tyrant)." Robert Havell, Jr. (1793--1878)

Signed, dated 1871, numbered 78 and inscribed as titled in ink on the reverse (lr); faintly inscribed in pencil The Deaht of a Tyrant on the reverse (ll)

Oil on canvas

36 1/8 by 50 inches


The British-born artist, Robert Havell, Jr. is best known for  his work on Audubon's Birds of America, where he was principal engraver, creating 425 of the plates. Havell, however, also produced paintings, many of which are neither signed nor dated. Those which are signed are inscribed on the back, as in the case for the present work. This stunning work depicts a dramatic scene, as this bird of prey nears his death and two canvas back ducks protectively shield their young. The image is created in the same manner that Havell employed in Audubon's engravings, the combination of immense attention to detail and the depiction of the inherent naturalism of the creatures and setting. The scene is set before the Hudson River, which Havell was quite familiar with, having lived in various residences with views of the Hudson River throughout his lifetime.


Offered at $250,000


We intend to have the lowest prices on ABE, Alibris, Biblio, AE, and Artnet while maintaining the highest levels of quality in the business for every offering. To inquire or view the complete offering, please contact our curators at info@aradernyc.com or call our 72nd Street NYC gallery at (212) 628-3668. 


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