Mergus Merganser
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About Reproduction
Bring the timeless beauty of Robert Havell, Jr.'s Mergus Merganser into your home with a handmade oil painting reproduction. Carefully recreated on canvas by skilled artists using traditional techniques, this piece captures the delicate brushwork, subtle light, and vibrant color of the original masterpiece. With museum-level quality and rich texture, it brings elegance and artistic depth to any space. Enjoy free shipping and make this masterpiece a part of your personal collection.
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Original Description
The exquisite hand-colored aquatint Mergus Merganser by Robert Havell, Jr. (1793–1878) embodies the golden age of American ornithological illustration. Created circa 1835 for John James Audubon’s landmark Birds of America, this work showcases Havell’s masterful engraving technique—layering delicate textures to render the common merganser’s iridescent plumage and the cascading water with breathtaking realism. The composition strikes a dynamic balance between scientific precision and artistic drama: the female duck glides assertively through frothy rapids, her amber eyes luminous against cooler tones, while Havell’s nuanced shading creates depth in both avian form and natural setting. As principal engraver for Audubon’s monumental folio, Havell elevated wildlife art to fine art; today, his prints are prized by institutions like the New York Historical Society, representing a pinnacle of 19th-century natural history documentation merged with Romanticism’s reverence for wilderness.
For interior styling, Mergus Merganser thrives in spaces seeking organic sophistication. Frame it in a slim gilt or walnut molding to enhance its vintage gravitas, ideally hung at eye level in a study or executive office where its earthy palette (ochres, slate blues, and whites) complements leather furnishings or wainscoted walls. The standard double-elephant folio size (~39" x 26") commands attention as a solo statement above a console table, while smaller reproductions work beautifully in gallery walls paired with botanical prints or Havell’s other Audubon engravings. Position opposite windows to animate the water’s shimmer, or layer with textured neutrals—linen drapes, sisal rugs—to let its natural drama resonate. In modern settings, its vivid realism provides striking contrast against minimalist decor, transforming it into a conversation piece bridging art and natural history.
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Lead Time & Shipping
When you order this oil painting replica, it typically takes 2-3 weeks to paint. If the artwork is more complex, it might need a little more time to ensure the best quality. Once it's ready, we'll send you a photo for your approval. After you give the green light, we'll ship it to you for free.
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Return & Refund
We believe in the quality of our hand-painted oil painting reproductions, and your satisfaction is our priority. If for any reason, you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, we offer a 45-day return policy. You can return your artwork within 45 days of receipt and receive a full refund. Please note that the artwork must be returned in the original packaging and in the same condition as it was received.
