John James Audubon, 1826 by John Syme.
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John James Audubon, 1826 by John Syme. (Photo: Public domain viaWikipedia)This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase, My Modern Met may earn an affiliate commission. Please readour disclosurefor more info.
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It took seven years to begin publishingThe Birds of Americaand eleven years to complete the entire series.
An ambitious undertaking, it was Audubons goal to paint every bird in North America.
“Louisiana Heron” by John James Audubon. Plate 217 of “The Birds of America” (Photo: Public domain viaNational Audubon Society)
So what pushed John James Audubon to create this masterpiece?
And how does his work continue to influence artists and ornithologists today?
Louisiana Heron by John James Audubon.
“Wild Turkey” by John James Audubon, Plate 1 from “The Birds of America” (Photo: Public domain viaNational Audubon Society)
His interest in wildlife led him to start illustrating and painting the birds he saw around them.
But thats not all; Audubon was also interested in their behavior.
The young Audubon, however, didnt view his art as a business.
“American Flamingo” by John James Audubon, Plate 431 from “The Birds of America” (Photo: Public domain viaNational Audubon Society)
Rather, he focused on imports/exports to support his young family.
Audubon enjoyed this flare and would later use it to attract patrons forThe Birds of America.
At 31 years old, he was thrown in jail for his debts.
“Carolina Parakeet” by John James Audubon, Plate 26 from “The Birds of America” (Photo: Public domain viaNational Audubon Society)
Shifting gears, Audubon began to combine his love for birds and art.
It was shortly after, in 1820, that he became determined to paint every bird species in America.
To support his ambitious project, he gave drawing lessons and painted portraits for wealthy patrons.
“Barred Owl” by John James Audubon, Plate 46 of “The Birds of America” (Photo: Public domain viaNational Audubon Society)
The enormity of the work meant that the research and painting process would take years.
The pages themselves were enormous, so much so that theyre called elephant folio.
That translated into dramatic and dynamic views of wildlife, which had previously never been seen.
The sheer magnitude of the work, which contains 435 life-size watercolors, is impressive even today.
But Audubons contribution is not just artistic, it’s also scientific.
Thanks to Audubons meticulous work, we forever have a view of American ornithology in the 19th century.
you might also explore all of Audubons drawings thanks to high-resolutions scans madeavailable by the National Audubon Society.
