John James Audubon (American, 1785 - 1851), lithographer John T. Bowen (American, 1801 - ca. 1856). Four hand-colored original antique lithographs by J.T. Bowen of Philadelphia after John James Audubon (1785-1851). From the first octavo edition of the Birds of America, From Drawings Made in the United States and Their Territories. New York: J. J. Audubon; Philadelphia: J. B. Chevalier, 1840-1844. They include clockwise from top left: "Eider Duck", Plate 405, No. 81; "Shoveller Duck", Plate 394, No. 79; "Mallard", Plate 385, No. 77; and "Canvass Back Duck" Plate 395, No. 79. Text below for each reada, "Drawn from Nature by J.J. Audubon, FRSFLS" at the left and "Lith Printed & Col (colored) by J.T. Bowen, Philad (Philadelphia)" at the right. Size: each lithograph measures ~ 8.25" W x 6" H (21 cm x 15.2 cm); ensemble with custom framing measures 23" W x 19" H (58.4 cm x 48.3 cm)

John James Audubon was an American painter, ornithologist, and naturalist who created illustrated zoologies that served as both scientific documents and wonderful works of art on paper in the 19th century before photomechanical processes were the primary method of creating book illustrations. Zoological illustration is a specialized genre of art, and while Audubon sought to accurately depict animals like other illustrators, his work stands apart as an exemplar because he was also concerned with aesthetic considerations and created the finest compositions, meeting the demands of both art and science. Audubon is perhaps most famous for his depictions of birds.

Provenance: private Jon and Mary Williams collection, Boulder, Colorado, USA; Mary Williams has represented some of America's finest artists and has more than 35 years of experience as a trusted source for quality paintings, sculpture, and antique prints and maps.

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#141408

Prints show slight age wear but are quite strong. One can see silhouettes of the text on verso. Custom framing that has been executed to full museum standards. Frame shows minor wear with scuffs/nicks.