[Prints] Audubon, John J(ames). The Bird of Washington, or Great American Sea Eagle

(London): R(obert). Havell, (1827). Hand-colored engraving with aquatint and etching, on J. Whatman Turkey Mill watermarked paper, dated 1827. Engraved by Robert Havell, Jr., and printed and colored by Robert Havell, Sr. Light mat burn; crease along center from when folded, with remnants of tape on verso from when reinforced; short repaired closed tear in top left; short closed tear in top right. 39 x 25 13/16 in. (991 x 656 mm). In mat and in frame, 51 1/2 x 37 7/8 in. (1308 x 962 mm). Low, p. 35, Variant 1

Plate 11 from Audubon's The Birds of America (London, 1827-38). "Painting and plate depict one bird standing on a rock, with no other background. In the painting, there is extensive writing on the rock, including: 'Sea Eagle Falco Ossifragus.' 'New Orleans, 1822' is also written on the painting. From his early writings it is clear that Audubon knew that immature Bald Eagles lack white feathers, yet he insisted that this bird XI was a new species, which he named the Bird of Washington, even though it is plainly an immature Bald Eagle..." (Susanne M. Low, A Guide to Audubon's Birds of America, pp. 35).

A handsome and striking example.