John James Audubon (Common Mouse) Viviparous Quadrupeds... Philadelphia 1843-48. Framed $9,850.00

Plate XC "Common Mouse"

John James Audubon is best known for his influential work on North American birds, but he also produced an ambitious and worthy folio of mammals. The folio size work known as the Viviparous Quadrupeds of North America (imperial folio) was printed and hand colored by John T. Bowen of Philadelphia between 1843-48.

Like Audubon's Birds of America, the Quadrupeds was intended to be a comprehensive visual catalog of North American animalia, with the focus shifting from birds to four-legged land mammals. Accompanying each image, a text was written, primarily by Rev John Bachman of Charleston, to inform the reader of the animals habits, diet, habitat, gestation period, etc..  The work totaled 150 prints, and the project was rushed to completion as Audubon's health declined. Audubon worked on the Quadrupeds for fifteen years and studied the animals in their natural habitats and collected skins.  It was the first work of this size dedicated to American quadrupeds and an American natural science landmark. Audubon described many frontier animals for the first time and the work helped spark public interest in the natural flora and fauna of America.

Original hand colored lithograph.
Sight 20.5 x 26 inches, outside framed size 34 x 38 inches.
Archivally framed.
Excellent condition.