John James Audubon (After)

Hand-colored engraving with etching and aquatint, the colors very fresh and bright, by R. Havell, 1833, on wove paper with the J. Whatman 1835 watermark, with full margins, in good condition apart from minor discoloration on the verso showing through to the recto in the foliage at upper left, skillfully repaired tears at the sheet edges (well away from the image), pale mat stain, the sheet edges with minor discoloration, framed

The print is in good condition as catalogued, the colors are extremely fresh and bright and the sheet has a deckle at right, top and bottom. There is an area of discoloration on the verso (very strong off-printing?) visible on the recto in the leaves at upper left. There are 4 short tears at the right sheet edge, the longest measuring 2 inches and all skillfully repaired (one backed with Japan.) The left sheet edge is discolored on verso and recto with dark remains of adhesive (from previous binding) and other sheet edes are slightly discolored by time stain. The margins have very pale mat stain and a few unobtrusive and pale fox marks.
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.

This print was originally part of the Audubon collection owned by the New York Society Library and sold in these rooms September 27, 1980, lot 177.  The purchaser was David O. Johnson, the owner of Princeton Polychrome Press and the founder of Princeton Audubon Limited.  As with other prints in Mr. Johnson's extensive Audubon collection, this particular impression was used as the template for the vivid reproductions which were first printed in 1985 and are still available today.