Audubon: America's Most Celebrated Natural History Prints
John James Audubon (1785-1851) created the most famous and valuable series of natural history prints ever produced. His masterwork, "The Birds of America," published between 1827 and 1838, contains 435 hand-colored aquatint engravings printed at life size on Double Elephant folio sheets (approximately 39.5 x 26.5 inches). Engraved by Robert Havell Jr. in London, these prints represent the pinnacle of ornithological illustration and consistently rank among the most expensive printed works sold at auction.
Editions and Identification
- Havell Edition (1827-1838): The first and most valuable edition; 435 plates engraved by Robert Havell Jr. (and a few early ones by W.H. Lizars) on J. Whatman or other watermarked papers; approximately 175-200 complete sets were produced
- Bien Edition (1858-1860): Chromolithographic reproduction by Julius Bien in New York at reduced size; only about 100 plates were completed before the Civil War halted production; still highly collectible
- Amsterdam Edition (1971-1973): High-quality photographic facsimile; collectible but modest value
- Octavo Edition (1840-1844): Audubon's own reduced-size lithographic edition (6.5 x 10.25 in.) by J.T. Bowen of Philadelphia; 500 plates of birds plus 150 quadrupeds; accessible and popular with collectors
Key Identification Points
- Havell prints bear plate numbers, Audubon's name as artist, and "Engraved, Printed & Coloured by R. Havell" in the lower margin
- Paper watermarks (J. Whatman, Turkey Mill) help date and authenticate Havell prints
- Hand-coloring on Havell plates shows individual brushwork variation; no two are identical
- Octavo prints are lithographs with hand-coloring, marked "J.T. Bowen, Lith." in Philadelphia
Auction Price Ranges
| Category | Typical Range | Exceptional Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Havell folio -- common species | $5,000 - $30,000 | -- |
| Havell folio -- popular birds (owls, hawks) | $30,000 - $150,000 | -- |
| Havell folio -- iconic plates (Wild Turkey, Flamingo) | $150,000 - $500,000 | $1M+ for Carolina Parakeet |
| Complete "Birds of America" set | -- | $7.9M - $12.6M at auction |
| Bien chromolithographs | $1,000 - $15,000 | $40,000+ for rare completed plates |
| Octavo birds | $200 - $3,000 | $8,000+ for rare or vivid plates |
| Octavo quadrupeds | $150 - $1,500 | $5,000+ for dramatic compositions |
Condition Factors
- Foxing: Brown spots from mold/oxidation are common; light foxing is tolerated, heavy foxing reduces value 30-50%
- Margins: Full, untrimmed margins are essential for top prices; trimmed or matted-down prints lose significant value
- Color intensity: Vivid, unfaded hand-coloring commands premiums; sun-bleached examples are worth far less
- Paper quality: Tears, losses, and acid burns are problematic; professional conservation is accepted if disclosed
- Framing damage: Acid mat burn lines, tape residue, and light damage from improper framing are common issues
Collecting Tips
- Start with octavo prints: The Bowen octavo edition offers genuine Audubon hand-colored prints at accessible prices, perfect for building knowledge
- Plate numbers matter: Certain Havell plate numbers are rarer due to printing sequence and survival rates; research specific plates before purchasing
- Buy the best condition you can afford: In the Audubon market, condition separates a $5,000 print from a $25,000 print of the same plate
- Verify authenticity carefully: Modern reproductions are common; check paper weight, watermarks, plate marks, and coloring technique
- Popular species drive premiums: Birds of prey, colorful songbirds, and extinct species (Carolina Parakeet, Passenger Pigeon) command the highest prices
- Conservation framing is essential: UV glass, acid-free materials, and proper humidity control protect your investment