John James Audubon (After)

Four hand-colored engravings, with etching and aquatint, 1835-38, by R. Havell, on wove paper, American Scoter Duck with the J. Whatman watermark, date trimmed, each framed (4 prints)

Golden-Eye Duck (Plate CCCXLII): the colors slightly attenuated, most noticeably in the yellow, with wide margins, the sheet laid down. The watermark is not visible. The sheet is unevenly darkened overall, an infrequent tiny fox mark, further discoloration at the extreme edges. Black-Throated Diver (Plate CCCXLVI): trimmed to just inside the plate mark, the plate and issue numbers trimmed away. The blue in the background is slightly attenuated. The sheet is laid down, and the watermark is subsequently not visible. With scattered mottled foxing, pale discoloration at the sheet edges, a small dark, circular accretion at the upper left, and a white smudge at upper right corner with associated rubbing (possible previous repair?). American Scoter Duck (Plate CCCCVIII): with strong colors, wide margins, the watermark date trimmed away at top. The sheet laid down, with scattered foxing throughout, and discoloration at the extreme sheet edges. Snow Goose (Plate CCCLXXXI): with margins although the plate and issue numbers have been trimmed away, the watermark is visible but indecipherable, the colors are slightly attenuated, and the sheet has been laid down. Minor surface soiling with light- and mat stain, scattered, tiny fox marks throughout, a small abraded area in the lower right margin, tiny, inconspicuous nicks in the right of the image, and three small, pale stains to the right of the female. The extreme sheet edges with tiny nicks and tears, and a row of tiny pin-holes down the right edge. Some minor repairs consisting of a small loss at the upper right corner, a small tear at the lower right sheet edge that extends approx 1/4 in. into the image, two tiny areas touched-in on the body of the male and the beak of the female.
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 lot includes:
Golden-Eye Duck (Plate CCCXLII)
Black-Throated Diver (Plate CCCXLVI)
American Scoter Duck (Plate CCCCVIII)
Snow Goose (Plate CCCLXXXI)