John James Audubon Elephant Folio Havell Edition Engraving "Barn Owl," 1833

Item Details

Robert Havell Jr. (British, 1793 – 1878) after John James Audubon (America, 1785 – 1851)
Barn Owl (Strix Flammea), 1833 from Birds of America
Engraving with etching, aquatint, and hand-coloring
Signed in plate
“Whatman 1833” watermark visible to lower section of left margin of sheet.

Famed ornithologist, conservationist, and artist, John James Audubon combined his passions to create a myriad of wildlife sketches, prints, and publications still revered. He was born Jean-Jacques Rabin Audubon in Saint-Domingue (what is today Haiti) to French lieutenant Jean Audubon and his father’s mistress Jeanne Rabine, a French chambermaid. He was raised in France, but as soon as he turned eighteen, he emigrated to the United States where he officially changed his name to John James Audubon. Audubon always had a passion for nature but especially birds. It took him a while after arriving in America to establish himself and his career. He worked as a portrait painter, fencing instructor, music teacher, and even as a taxidermist in Cincinnati, Ohio. During this time, he would also study, sketch, and perform experiments with birds, including creating one of the first recorded experiments of bird tagging and tracking in America. He would go on to illustrate some of his most notable works including The Birds of America, a 7-volume octavo edition, and The Viviparous Quadrupeds of North America, the latter two of which were printed by his longtime collaborator John T. Bowen. Audubon was a pioneer in the field of ornithological art and studies and many of his works can be found in collections such as The British Museum, London, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, The National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C., online at The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, and many others.

Condition

- toning, stains, discoloration, and foxing to sheet; cockling to sheet; two vertical creases to lower margin of sheet; 1.5" repaired tear to lower margin of sheet; sheet has slipped in mounting; handling wear to sheet; scattered debris under glazing; scratches and residue to glazing; nicks and abrasions to frame; toning and stains to verso of frame.

Dimensions

- measures frame; sight measures 24.75" W x 33.75" H, and image measures 22.75" W x 33.5" H.

• This item may be especially difficult to move and/or transport. The winner is responsible for bringing appropriate assistance, vehicle, proper materials, and any necessary tools to pickup. International shipping may be restricted.

Item #

ITMGM09654