Original book plate – Ruby-crowned Kinglet. Vintage book plate taken from a Menaboni’s Birds by Athos Menaboni. 9”x12” print size.. Athos Menaboni ( Italy, Georgia 1895 - 1990 ). Considered by some the Audubon of the 20th. Century, Athos Menaboni was born in Italy but lived most of his life in the southern United States (Georgia). He is known for his beautifully detailed and lifelike renderings of birds but was also an accomplished painter of diverse subjects including botanicals, seascapes, landscapes and mosaics. During his sixty year career he is credited with painting over 150 species of American birds.