Audubon’s Birds Of America is not just a book, but a monumental achievement in both art and natural history. Created by John James Audubon in the early 19th century, this masterpiece contains 435 life-size watercolors of North American birds, all reproduced from hand-engraved plates. This work is renowned for its naturalistic detail and dramatic compositions, setting a new standard for ornithological illustration.
Who was John James Audubon?
John James Audubon was born on April 26, 1785, in Les Cayes, Saint-Domingue (now Haiti). He was the illegitimate son of a French naval officer and a chambermaid. Raised in France by his stepmother, Audubon developed a passion for nature and drawing from an early age. In 1803, at 18, he was sent to America to avoid conscription into Napoleon’s army.
In the United States, Audubon initially managed his father’s estate near Philadelphia but was more interested in exploring the American wilderness. He married Lucy Bakewell in 1808, and they moved to Kentucky, where Audubon ran a general store. However, his business ventures often failed as he preferred spending time in nature, observing and sketching birds.
Audubon’s unique approach to bird illustration involved using freshly killed specimens, which he positioned using wire to create lifelike poses. This method, combined with his artistic skill, resulted in dynamic, realistic portrayals that surpassed previous ornithological works.
After years of financial struggle, Audubon embarked on his ambitious project to document all of North America’s birds in 1820. He spent over a decade traveling extensively, observing and painting birds in their natural habitats. His dedication to this project would ultimately lead to the creation of Birds of America.
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What is The Birds of America Book?
It is a series of 435 hand-colored, life-size prints of North American birds. Created between 1827 and 1838, it represents one of the most ambitious and impressive projects in the history of natural history illustration.
Key features that make this work exceptional include:
- Size:
Known as the “Double Elephant Folio” due to its enormous dimensions (approximately 39.5 by 28.5 inches), this format allowed Audubon to depict even the largest birds at life-size.
- Comprehensive coverage:
The book illustrates 497 bird species, with some plates featuring multiple species. It includes virtually all the birds then known in the United States and Canada.
- Artistic quality:
Audubon’s illustrations are noted for their dynamic poses, attention to anatomical detail, and inclusion of botanical and environmental elements that provide context for each species.
- Scientific value:
Many of Audubon’s illustrations were the first published depictions of certain species, and his field notes provided valuable information about bird behavior and habitats.
- Printing technique:
The original edition was produced using copper plate etching, aquatint, and engraving, then hand-colored by a team of artists.
- Rarity:
Only about 200 complete sets were produced, of which approximately 120 are known to exist today, making original copies extremely valuable.
How was The Birds of America Book made?
The creation was a complex, time-consuming process that spanned more than a decade:
- Fieldwork:
Audubon traveled extensively throughout North America, often in harsh conditions, to observe and collect specimens. He would shoot birds and quickly wire them into lifelike poses before rigor mortis set in.
- Painting:
Using watercolors and occasionally pastels, Audubon created detailed, life-size paintings of each bird. He often included environmental details and showed birds engaged in typical behaviors.
- Engraving:
Audubon took his paintings to England, where skilled engravers, primarily Robert Havell Jr., transferred the images onto copper plates. This process involved etching, aquatint, and engraving techniques to capture the fine details of Audubon’s work.
- Printing:
Black and white prints were made from the engraved plates using a large press.
- Hand-coloring:
A team of colorists, working under Havell’s supervision, carefully hand-painted each print to match Audubon’s original watercolors. This step was crucial in bringing the illustrations to life.
- Distribution:
Audubon sold the book by subscription, releasing five plates at a time. Subscribers would receive these “fascicles” throughout the publication, eventually binding them into complete volumes.
- Text:
Audubon also wrote an accompanying text, “Ornithological Biography,” which provided detailed information about each species. This was published separately due to British copyright laws.
Why is The Birds of America Book important?
The significance extends far beyond its beauty:
- Artistic innovation:
Audubon’s dynamic, life-size depictions revolutionized wildlife illustration. His dramatic compositions and attention to behavioral details set a new standard in the field.
- Scientific contribution:
The work provided valuable ornithological information, including the first published descriptions of 25 new species and 12 new subspecies of birds.
- Historical record:
Audubon’s work serves as a crucial historical document, providing insight into North American wildlife in the early 19th century. It includes several species now extinct, such as the Carolina Parakeet and Passenger Pigeon.
- Conservation impact:
By showcasing the beauty and diversity of North American birds, Audubon’s work helped foster an appreciation for wildlife, contributing to early conservation efforts.
- Cultural significance:
Birds of America has become an iconic work of American art and natural history, influencing countless artists and naturalists.
- Bibliographic importance:
As one of the most valuable printed books in the world, it holds a special place in the history of publishing and book collecting.
Different Versions of Birds of America
Collectors should be aware of several versions, such as:
1. The Havell Edition (1827-1838): This is the original Double Elephant Folio edition, consisting of 435 hand-colored engravings. Only about 200 complete sets were produced, making it extremely rare and valuable.
2. The Bien Edition (1858-1860): After Audubon’s death, his sons attempted to produce a full-size American edition using chromolithography. Only 150 plates were completed before the project was abandoned due to the Civil War.
3. The Octavo Edition (1840-1844): This smaller, more affordable version was produced by Audubon to reach a wider audience. It includes 500 hand-colored lithographs based on the original paintings but reduced in size.
4. The Amsterdam Edition (1971-1972): A high-quality modern reproduction of the Double Elephant Folio, limited to 250 copies.
5. Various modern facsimiles and reproductions: These range from expensive limited editions to more affordable coffee table books.
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Collecting Birds of America
For collectors here are more detailed points to consider:
1. Investment value: Original Havell Edition prints have shown significant appreciation over time. Complete sets have sold for over $10 million at auction.
2. Individual prints: Single plates from the Havell Edition can range from a few thousand to hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on the bird depicted and the print’s condition.
3. Condition factors: Collectors evaluate prints based on factors such as color vibrancy, paper quality, the presence of the watermark, and any signs of restoration or damage.
4. Provenance: The history of ownership can significantly affect a print’s value. Prints with well-documented histories from reputable collections are often more desirable.
5. Authenticity: Given the high value of original prints, forgeries do exist. Expert examination is crucial when purchasing, especially for high-value plates.
6. Conservation: Proper storage and display are essential. Prints should be kept away from direct sunlight and in stable temperature and humidity conditions.
7. Market trends: Certain birds, such as the Wild Turkey, Flamingo, and Birds of Prey, consistently command higher prices due to their popularity and dramatic imagery.
8. Resources for collectors: Specialized dealers, auction houses, and reference books like “Audubon’s Great National Work” by Susanne M. Low are valuable resources for serious collectors.
Famous Birds in The Book
Some of the most renowned plates include:
1. Wild Turkey (Plate 1): Often considered Audubon’s masterpiece, this dramatic composition shows a life-size male wild turkey.
2. Bald Eagle (Plate 31): A powerful depiction of America’s national bird with a catfish in its talons.
3. American Flamingo (Plate 431): One of the most visually striking plates, showing the bird’s long neck curved in an S-shape.
4. Great Blue Heron (Plate 211): A detailed scene of the heron catching a fish, showcasing Audubon’s skill in depicting bird behavior.
5. Ivory-billed Woodpecker (Plate 66): Now believed to be extinct, making this illustration particularly poignant.
6. Roseate Spoonbill (Plate 321): Noted for its vivid pink coloration and unusual bill shape.
7. Snowy Owl (Plate 121): A haunting portrayal of this Arctic species against a stark background.
Conclusion
Birds of America showcases John James Audubon’s artistic talent, scientific interest, and deep love for nature. Today, it continues to captivate audiences with its beauty and historical significance.
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