(Say's Squirrel) Viviparous Quadrupeds of North America. Philadelphia J.T. Bowen, 1843-48. . Framed $3,500.00

Plate LXXXIX “Sciurus Sayi, Say’s Squirrel, Normal Size”

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 J.T. Bowen of Philadelphia between 1843 and 1848. 

Like Audubon’s Birds of America, the Quadrupeds was intended to be a comprehensive visual catalogue of North America animalia, with the focus shifting from birds to four-legged land mammals. Accompanying each image, a text was written, primarily by Bachman, to inform the reader of the animal’s habits, diet, habitat, gestation period, etc. Totaling 150 prints, 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 done on American quadrupeds and a landmark for natural science in America. Audubon detailed 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 finished size 34 x 38 inches.
Archivally framed in gold leaf.
Excellent condition.