32 Harris, Uncolored Prints of Audubon. [j^j. 



Some critics have objected to a certain flatness in Audubon's 

 drawings, but it is evident from a comparison of the two accom- 

 panying illustrations that a degree of the depth or rotundity 

 attained in these plates by the engraver has perhaps been lost by 

 the application of the flat color washes. 



The method employed by Havell in executing his plates was that 

 known as aquatinting, a very difficult, complicated, and tedious 

 process. That he was thoroughly at home in this medium of 

 expression and was excelled by but few, if any, aquatinters of his 

 day is shown by the universal commendation of his work by com- 

 petent art critics. The term "aquatint" refers of course to the 

 biting of the copper plate with aqua-fortis, and not to the coloring 

 of the print with water-color washes. Whatever of brilliance a 

 print might possess, by virtue of the mastery of the engraver's 

 technique, or whatever of freshness it might exhibit by being a 

 first printing from a soft and rapidly deteriorating plate, is obviously 

 more manifest in a proof fresh pulled and uncolored. And these 

 are just the qualities that impart to the Havell proofs their chief 

 charm — they recall Havell rather more than they do Audubon. 

 Long familiarity with the published work does not prepare one for 

 the impression conveyed by a first view of these proofs. The 

 prodigious amount of work underlying the color and the amazing 

 dexterity of the hand that accomplished it is revealed. It is like 

 a look behind the scenes, a familiar glimpse that brings home the 

 personal side of the great enterprise. A thrill of intimacy is 

 experienced. Here, on a full sized, untrimmed sheet of the finest 

 water-color paper made, is a trial impression from the lately com- 

 pleted engraving, once handled and closely inspected for defects 

 and errors, as well as for improvements in style, by the be-aproned 

 and acid stained Havell, and later owned and cherished by the 

 gallant and demonstrative Audubon. A great relic ! — perhaps 

 unique. A magnificent example of a practically lost art. 



