John James Audubon, born in 1785 in Haiti, was an American ornithologist, naturalist, and painter. Passionate about nature and birds from a young age, he immigrated to the United States at the age of 18. He is best known for his monumental work, The Birds of America, a series of plates illustrating North American birds with unprecedented precision and beauty.
The Birds of America:
The Birds of America is an iconic work in the field of ornithology and art. Published between 1827 and 1838, this collection includes 435 hand-colored engravings depicting 497 species of birds. This monumental work not only contributed to the scientific knowledge of North American birds but also set new standards for scientific illustration.
Famous Plates from The Birds of America
Our John James Audubon posters are scanned in ultra-high definition. The colors of our posters are faithful to the original works and available in a wide range of formats, ready to be framed!
- The Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias)
This plate shows a great blue heron standing in the water, searching for food among the reeds. Audubon meticulously captured the elegant posture of the bird and the details of its plumage, paying tribute to its majestic stature.
- The Carolina Parakeets (Conuropsis carolinensis)
The Carolina Parakeets, now extinct, are illustrated perched on branches. Their vivid green feathers and colorful heads stand out beautifully. Audubon immortalized these birds with such vivacity that one could almost hear their joyful chattering.
- The American Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber)
This plate features a flamingo standing on one leg, its long neck curved downwards as if searching for food. The grace and balance of the bird are beautifully rendered, making this illustration one of the most iconic.
The Louisiana Heron, also known as the Tricolored Heron, is a striking wading bird adorned in shades of blue-gray, lavender, and white. Its slender frame and elegant posture make it a captivating sight in the wetlands of the southeastern United States. With a keen eye for fish, frogs, and crustaceans, it gracefully maneuvers through shallow waters in search of prey.
John James Audubon's depiction of the Louisiana Heron, featured in his renowned series "The Birds of America," captures the bird in exquisite detail. The plate showcases the heron's long neck and delicate plumage, illustrating its poise and beauty against a backdrop of lush vegetation. Audubon's masterful brushstrokes bring this avian subject to life, highlighting both its graceful form and the vibrant ecosystem it inhabits.
- The Great Egret (Ardea alba or Great White Heron)
Audubon captured this elegant creature in a dynamic pose, with meticulous attention to the details of the feathers and colors. This plate perfectly illustrates Audubon's ability to combine scientific accuracy and aesthetic beauty.
The Great Egret, also known as the White Heron, is an emblem of grace and elegance. These striking birds, with their sleek white plumage and slender yellow bills, are often seen wading through wetlands and coastal regions. Their long necks and legs give them an almost statuesque appearance, especially when they glide gracefully across the water. Conservation efforts have helped their populations rebound, making them a symbol of resilience in the bird world.
Over a century ago, passionate activists rescued the Great Egret from the ravenous fashion trend that saw its feathers adorn ladies' hats, a movement that sparked the founding of the original Audubon Society.
- The Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)
The Brown Pelican is depicted in a dramatic scene, diving to catch its prey. This plate is particularly notable for its bold composition and the energy it conveys.
- The Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)
The Northern Cardinal is one of the most colorful and vibrant plates in the work. Audubon used bright colors to capture the beauty of this bird, and his attention to detail is evident in the rendering of the feathers and beak.
- The Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
The Peregrine Falcon is shown in mid-flight, one of its most impressive characteristics. This plate highlights Audubon's expertise in capturing the movement and grace of birds in action.
- The American Robin (Turdus migratorius)
The American Robin is a common but nonetheless beautiful bird. Audubon managed to capture its simple yet elegant charm, with particular attention to the colors and texture of its feathers.
A monument to birds
The Birds of America is not only a major scientific contribution but also a timeless work of art. John James Audubon dedicated his life to the study and representation of birds, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire naturalists and artists. The plates in this work remain unparalleled examples of the union between science and art.
According to The Audubon society : "John James Audubon's Birds of America is a portal into the natural world. Printed between 1827 and 1838, it contains 435 life-size watercolors of North American birds (Havell edition), all reproduced from hand-engraved plates, and is considered to be the archetype of wildlife illustration".
Nearly 200 years later, the Audubon prints are coming to life once again, thanks to our vibrant poster collection.
