Hawk 1789

This watercolor titled "Hawk" was made by William Lewin around the turn of the 19th century. Lewin utilized traditional painting techniques to achieve an admirable level of detail with the hawk's plumage and menacing claws. Working with watercolor demands a strategic approach of layering translucent washes, and a respect for the white surface of the paper. Lewin here has been able to manipulate this medium to produce incredible detail in the hawk. It is a feat to be able to capture the iridescent sheen of the feathers or scales. The level of precision that watercolor affords made it a popular medium for scientific illustration and naturalist studies like this. Although watercolors are often seen as preparatory sketches, Lewin’s delicate touch elevates it to the status of a finished work. It invites us to consider the amount of work, skill, and vision that goes into its production. In this way, the act of making itself, and not just the final image, takes center stage.