5500 - Audubon, Havell Ed - Dusky Duck [Anas Obscura]. 302

Audubon, Havell Ed - Dusky Duck [Anas Obscura]. 302 Description of the work: This stunning, double elephant folio engraving is from true first edition of John James Audubon's Birds of America. The work was published by Audubon between 1827 and 1838. This edition is commonly referred to as the Havell Edition. The magnificent hand-colored etched plate was done by line-engraving and aquatint. These were produced by Robert Havell and Robert Havell, Jr. of London and W. H. Lizars of Edinburgh. These were done after the original live-size watercolors by Audubon. The engraving is on J. Whatman woven paper dated 1836, photograph in the listing. The Havell edition of Birds of America is considered the greatest color plate book ever made. It was an expensive undertaking resulting in only about 165 to 175 complete sets produced, with far less loose on the market as many of the complete sets are preserved in museums. John James Audubon (1785-1851) is perhaps the most famous of early American naturalists. Birds of America is one of the best examples of hand-colored work in America and is highly collectible. Provenance: Property from the estate collection of a Ann Arbor, MI private collector. Paper Size: Paper ~ 36 1/4" by 25"; Plate ~ 30 1/4" by 20 1/2" Paper Type or Special Features: Originally Hand-colored, Double Elephant Folio Engraving on J. Whatman Woven Paper Condition: The work is in very good to excellent condition overall. There is some light toning or faint mat burn to margins. There is a very faint crease is visible at the left of the image. There may be a few minor imperfections to be expected with age. Please review the image carefully for condition and contact us with any questions.