Natural History and American Ornithology Audubon Great American White Egret Plate 370 Hand Colored Print 1840 to 1844

James Audubon

Print

Audubon, John James. Great American White Egret, Plate 370, circa 1840–1844 hand colored print from the octavo edition of The Birds of America, documenting nineteenth century American natural history and scientific illustration. Produced as part of Audubon’s systematic effort to record North American bird species, the plate reflects the integration of field observation and artistic representation that defined early ornithological study. The work contributes to research on environmental history, scientific publishing, and the visual culture of natural history in the United States.

Audubon, John James. Great American White Egret. No. 74; Plate 370. New York and Philadelphia: J. J. Audubon and J. B. Chevalier, 1839–1844. Hand colored lithograph printed by J. T. Bowen after Audubon’s original drawing, captioned “Drawn From Nature by J. J. Audubon F.R.S.F.L.S. 1 Male, Spring Plumage 2. Horned Agama Tapayaxin of Hermandes.” Single disbound leaf from the first octavo edition, presenting the egret in detailed naturalistic form alongside accompanying zoological elements. The octavo edition extended access to Audubon’s work through a more portable format while retaining the emphasis on hand coloring and anatomical accuracy.

Issued during a period of expanding scientific interest in North American flora and fauna, Audubon’s project established a foundational visual record of bird species and influenced subsequent developments in ornithology and environmental study. His depiction of the Great Egret reflects both aesthetic ambition and observational precision, with Audubon noting the difficulty of rendering the species in visual form. Light to moderate toning with uneven right edge from disbinding and minor offsetting from verso text; colors remain vivid; overall good. A representative example of Audubon’s contribution to American natural history illustration.

Item #17227

Price: $885.00