American Flamingo

Robert Havell after John James Audubon

Hand-colored engraving and aquatint on paper

National Gallery of Art

This iconic bird study shows the American flamingo in a striking, almost theatrical pose, its coral-pink body arcing gracefully against a simple coastal backdrop. Published in Audubon’s monumental *Birds of America*, the plate combines precise natural observation with the drama and scale that made the series so influential. Robert Havell’s masterful hand-coloring and engraving help turn a scientific subject into a work that feels both elegant and vivid on the wall. It’s a perfect piece for bringing a touch of color, movement, and 19th-century wonder into a modern interior.