John James Audubon Bird Prints Value Guide

John James Audubon's 'The Birds of America' represents the pinnacle of 19th-century ornithological art, featuring 435 life-size plates. These prints are highly collectible due to Audubon's revolutionary approach of depicting North American species in their specific natural habitats with scientific accuracy.

What affects the value of John James Audubon Bird Prints?

• The specific bird species depicted, with larger or more iconic birds typically commanding higher prices.
• The condition of the paper, specifically looking for foxing, water damage, or trimming of the original margins.
• The provenance and edition, distinguishing between original Havell engravings and later lithographic reproductions.
• The quality and age of the wood frame and protective glass used for display.

How to Identify John James Audubon Bird Prints?

• Check for the 'Whatman' watermark on the paper, which was used for the original Havell edition prints.
• Verify the life-size scale of the birds, as Audubon famously insisted on 1:1 proportions for all species.
• Look for the hand-colored details over the copperplate engravings, which show subtle variations in ink and pigment.
• Examine the plate marks and the specific numbering system used during the 1827-1838 publication period.

History of John James Audubon Bird Prints

John James Audubon was a French-American ornithologist, naturalist, and painter. He is widely considered the greatest wildlife artist of all time. His monumental work, 'The Birds of America,' published in parts between 1827 and 1838, is a collection of 435 life-size prints of North American birds. Audubon's tireless dedication to observing and illustrating birds in their natural settings revolutionized ornithological art and continues to inspire nature enthusiasts and artists alike.