JOHN JAMES AUDUBON (AMERICAN 1785–1851) "ROSEATE SPOONBILL" FROM BIRDS OF AMERICA

Hand-colored engraving with aquatint and etching. Robert Havell Publisher, London, 1836.
Plate CCCXXII, 1827-1838.
Sheet size: 24 7/8 X 37 1/2 in. (63.2 x 95.3cm)

Provenance: Arader Galleries, New York, New York.

Acquired directly from the above in 2011.

Collection of Dorrance H. Hamilton.

NOTE:

John James Audubon is without a doubt the most celebrated American Natural History artist. Born in Haiti in 1785, he spent his youth in France, where he studied for a time under Jacques Louis David (1748-1825). The artist came to America in 1803 and first engaged in a series of unlucky ventures as a farmer, merchant and portrait painter. But none of these occupations engaged Audubon as much as his deep passion: studying and identifying the birds of North America, which he would draw from observation. Audubon eventually conceived a plan to make his passion into a financially rewarding pursuit and went on to publish his studies into a monumental engraved series.

During the years 1827-1838, Audubon supervised the production of 435 plates for his masterpiece, which he entitled the "Birds of America." Audubon was the first to undertake the unprecedented and ambitious task of attempting to document all the bird species of the United States. His tireless efforts and remarkable talent culminated in this unprecedented success. The most distinguished names in Europe and America were on the list of Audubon's subscribers, including King George IV of England and King Charles X of France. The work ultimately established Audubon as the only American artist who could attract European attention. For many, he personified the New World culture and its emerging independent existence.

The spectacular Roseate spoonbill was commonly spotted in the mangrove swamps and marl flats of Texas and Florida in Audubon's day. Their rosy plumage was so popular for the making of fans that by the end of the Civil War, the bird had completely disappeared from Texas; only two dozen were to be found in Florida. However, the Mexican Reoseate spoonbill population remained untouched and through the valiant efforts of the National Audubon Society, these wonderful birds have been reintroduced to Texas, the Florida Keys and the Everglades National Park.