John James Audubon

Edward Harris, Moorestown, New Jersey
Mrs. Nellie J. Wilstach (acquired from the above, 1855)
Sale:  Sotheby's, New York, December, 1987, lot 12 (consigned by the descendants of the above)
Acquired at the above sale by the present owner

Maria R. Audubon, Audubon and His Journals, New York, 1897, vol. I, pp. 56-57, 265-266, 429, 454; v. II, pp. 72-73
Edward H. Dwight, Audubon Watercolors and Drawings, Utica, 1965, p. 15

Overall this watercolor, graphite and charcoal on paper is in stable condition, and is properly hinged to an acid-free rag board at the top edge. The paper has benefited from previous conservation treatment to mend tears and creases at the edges by way of a thin acid-free mulberry tissue lining. There are two tears: one 1/2" long tear to the lower-right edge, and one fracture running 1/8" inch below the top edge. Both disturbances are stabilized by the lining. Visually, the paper is moderately oxidized throughout from contact with former acidic framing material and light exposure. There is also a mild field of small and incipient foxing spots seen throughout, and two distinct mild mat burns at the the four edges. The watercolor has likely fading to a slight and acceptable degree, but considering its age and the discoloration of the paper support, it is quite vibrant. Condtion Report from Alvarez Fine Art Services, Inc. (4/5/13): The inscription hinged below the artwork was perhaps once attached to the larger sheet and later trimmed for framing purposes. In any case, it was once folded along the horizontal axis causing a heavy crease. The crease was subsequently flattened and the paper also lined with mulberry tissue to ensure structural stability. This work of art may benefit from conservation treatment to remove the discoloration of the paper. This will require further heat and solubility tests to determine its feasibility.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

In 1824, Audubon arrived in Philadelphia seeking a publisher for Birds of America, the illustrated volume that would become one of the finest ornithological achievements of all time. Here, he began his lifelong friendship with the naturalist, Edward Harris from Moorestown, New Jersey. In addition to becoming Audubon’s patron, Harris would accompany the artist as an assistant on a six-month expedition from the Missouri River to the Yellowstone in 1843 to carry out research for The Quadrupeds of America.
Harris catalogued and numbered the ninety works he purchased from Audubon: Maryland Yellow Throats is number sixty. Fifty-nine of these works, as well as Harris’ original list, are now in the collection of the Harvard College library. The present watercolor is an early example of the artist’s impeccable draftsmanship, demonstrating his affinity not only for precise detail, but also composition and color.