Plate 384 "American Swan"

John James Audubon is best known for his elephant folio work entitled The Birds of America. An extraordinary enterprise, Audubon's original work was printed and hand colored by Robert Havell in 1824. His prints are considered the finest bird engravings ever produced and set the standard for all that followed. Because of its great size and complicated printing methods these large bird prints were costly even at the time of publication. In response to this, Audubon issued a smaller format edition of The Birds of America known as the royal octavo edition (reference to the paper size). Now Audubon's work was available to libraries and public collections, as well as middle class enthusiasts. The entire set of 500 prints was priced $100. in the mid 19th century - today a complete set sells at auction for between $20,000 and $35,000! This wonderul hand colored lithograph was issued in the second octavo edition printed in Philadelphia by J.T. Bowen in 1856.

Original octavo size lithogaph with full color, approx. 10 1/2" x 6 3/4" sheet size, 15" x 18" framed size. Archivally matted and framed. Excellent original condition.