Lot 48
  • 48

Audubon, John James

Estimate
35,000 - 45,000 USD
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Description

  • The Birds of America, from Drawings Made in the United States and Their Territories. New York: J. J. Audubon, and Philadelphia: J. B. Chevalier, 1840–1844
  • paper, ink, paint, leather
ILLUSTRATION: 500 handcolored lithographed plates after Audubon by W. E. Hitchcock, R. Trembly, and others, printed and colored by J. T. Bowen, with tissue-guards, numerous wood-engraved text illustrations, half-titles, list of subscribers in each volume. 

7 volumes, 8vo (10 1/4 x 6 5/8 in.; 267 x 168 mm). BINDING: Contemporary half brown morocco, spines lettered in gilt, marbled boards, marbled endpapers.



Signature or inscription above imprint on title-page in each volume clipped, some occasional foxing generally not affecting plates, some dampstaining in vol. II. Spines renewed with backstrips laid down, covers rubbed, some inner hinges reinforced with green buckram tape.

Literature

Ayer/Zimmer, p. 22; Nissen 51; Reese, American Color Plate Books 34; Sabin 2364; cf. Tyler, Audubon's Great National Work

Condition

Condition as described in catalogue entry.
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.

Catalogue Note

FIRST OCTAVO EDITION. After completing the double-elephant folio edition at great expense in England, Audubon returned to the United States and used the Philadelphia firm of Bowen to produce a more profitable octavo version under the supervision of his sons. It enjoyed a tremendous success and established his reputation. The octavo edition adds 65 new images to the original plate count of the double-elephant folio.