John James Audubon: Iconic Birds of America Set

John James Audubon’s “Birds of America” is a renowned book showcasing his remarkable illustrations and scientific contributions to the study of North American birds. Its artistic and scientific significance continues to inspire and captivate nature lovers, ornithologists, and art enthusiasts to this day.

Audubon, an American naturalist and artist, dedicated much of his life to studying and illustrating North American bird species. His work in “Birds of America” is considered a masterpiece of both art and science.

About John James Audubon

Born on April 26, 1785, in Haiti (then Saint-Domingue), Audubon moved to the United States as a child. He developed a deep passion for birds and nature, spending years in the wilderness observing and documenting various species.

“Birds of America”

Audubon’s masterpiece, “Birds of America,” is a four-volume set of books that contains 435 hand-colored, life-size prints of North American birds. It was first published as a series of installments between 1827 and 1838. The prints were made from engraved plates based on Audubon’s original watercolor paintings.

Illustrations and Style

Audubon’s illustrations in “Birds of America” are renowned for their accuracy, beauty, and artistic composition. He often depicted the birds in their natural habitats, showcasing their behavior and interactions. The life-size format of the prints allowed for precise rendering of the birds’ proportions and intricate details.

Scientific Contributions

Audubon’s work went beyond art; he aimed to document and study the birds scientifically. He provided detailed information about each species, including their behaviors, habitats, and migration patterns. Audubon also discovered several new species during his expeditions, some of which were included in “Birds of America.”

“Birds of America” is regarded as one of the most important and influential natural history books ever published. It set new standards for ornithological illustration and significantly contributed to the scientific understanding of North American bird species. Today, original copies of the book are highly sought after and considered valuable collector’s items due to the limited number and importance of the work.

See the entire collection online and download high res files for printing at: audubon.org/birds-of-america

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