Books

London: John James Audubon, 1836. Print. Hand-colored etching with aquatint and line-engraving by Robert Havell, Jr., after a watercolor from nature by Audubon. Paper watermarked "J. Whatman 1836." Sheet: (25 x 38 inches). The Harlequin Duck from the first edition of Audubon's "The Birds of America." "I have the pleasure of presenting you with three figures of the Harlequin Duck, one a male in all the perfection of its spring plumage, the bird having attained complete maturity, another male two years old, and an adult female shot in the pairing season. No figures of the adult male or of the female have, I believe, hitherto been published." - Audubon The drawings for "Harlequin Duck" (Histrionicus histrionicus) were done by Audubon and his son, John Woodhouse Audubon, near Eastport, Maine. The two ducks on the right of the image (2. Female, on top, and 3. Young Male, Third Year) were drawn by the younger Audubon and the Old Male on the left was drawn by the elder. The…

"The Birds of America" is a monumental work by John James Audubon, published as a series between 1827 and 1838. It is one of the most famous and celebrated ornithological works in the world, known for its life-size, hand-colored, engraved plates of birds from the United States. Audubon's work stands out for its combination of artistic beauty and scientific accuracy. The collection features 435 plates, depicting more than 700 bird species, many of which were being documented for the first time. Audubon employed a unique method of mounting dead birds in natural positions on wires as a reference, which helped him create more dynamic illustrations. His attention to detail and commitment to depicting birds in their natural habitats made "The Birds of America" not only a major scientific achievement but also an artistic masterpiece. Audubon's work had a significant impact on ornithology and art in the 19th century, contributing to the burgeoning interest in bird study and conservation in America and Europe. The original editions of "The Birds of America" are among the most sought-after and valuable books in the world, prized by collectors and institutions for their historical and aesthetic value.