print room: bird prints from other artists/authors
The text is being offered separately from the plates: WILSON, Alexander and BONAPARTE, Charles Lucian. American Ornithology, or the Natural History of the Birds of the United States. Philadelphia: Porter and Coates, undated (circa 1870). With a Sketch of the Life of Wilson, by George Ord, F.L.S., and A Classification of the Genera and Species of American Birds, by Spencer F. Baird, of the Smithsonian Institution. Three volume set of Wilson and Bonaparte's important text. Half leather, a.e.g., marbled boards. Some rubbing on spines and corners. Some discoloration of endpapers, book plate of William Augustus Jeffries in all volumes, ink signature "William Jeffries, Boston" in all volumes. Interiors very clean, a beautiful set. $600. The plates are organized into four groups by number; the first three groups are from Wilson's work while the last group is from Bonaparte's supplement (with art by Alexander Rider and Titian Ramsey Peale).
The Bonaparte plates from the Philadelphia Edition are not etchings/engravings (as were the original plates in Bonaparte's supplement), but rather hand-colored stone lithographs. We can only suppose that the original copper printing plates were not available to Ord and his collaborators. Having viewed this set with great care, and having consulted with several collectors who own plates from this edition, we have determined that all the Bonaparte plates of this edition were printed with lithographic stones, and thus lack plate marks and the sharp lines typical of etchings/engravings. The name of the lithographer is not noted on the prints; rather, the Bonaparte plates are reproduced with the original nomenclature intact, and therefore include engraving credits to Alexander Lawson. See the Bonaparte plates.
The colors are fresh and vibrant. Upon request, we will gladly email you a detailed description of any print. The prints are an excellent size for individual placement or for use in groupings. These are important American historical prints, of great importance in the development of both American ornithology and American bird art. Framed, these prints make a large impact on any decor at a very affordable price.
to background information and early Wilson prints to print room entrance for Audubon and other artists
Last updated 04.17.07 |
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B9. Wild Turkey,
Male and Female.
