The original Birds of America is one of the most famous and valuable ornithological works ever produced. Painted and published by renowned naturalist and artist John James Audubon between 1827 and 1838, it contains life-sized watercolor illustrations of over 400 different bird species found in North America. But where exactly is the original, complete edition housed today? The famous double elephant folio edition continues to be split up across several institutions. However, the largest single collection can be found at the New-York Historical Society in New York City.
Quick Summary
- The Birds of America is one of the most famous ornithological works ever made, containing over 400 life-sized illustrations of North American bird species.
- It was created by naturalist and artist John James Audubon between 1827-1838.
- The original edition was published as an enormous double elephant folio, measuring around 3 by 2 feet.
- Today, the complete edition is split across several institutions.
- The largest single collection of 155 hand-colored plates is housed at the New-York Historical Society in NYC.
Background on John James Audubon and Birds of America
John James Audubon (1785-1851) was an American ornithologist, naturalist, and artist known for his studies of North American birds and his detailed illustrations. He immigrated from Haiti to the United States in 1803 and explored much of the American wilderness, studying birds by shooting them and then wiring them into lifelike poses.
He began his ambitious project of documenting all North American bird species in 1820. Audubon traveled widely to conduct field observations and find new species. He then painted each bird life-sized onto paper using watercolors and pastels.
Key Facts About Audubon
- Lived 1785-1851.
- Immigrated to United States from Haiti in 1803.
- Explored American wilderness while conducting bird studies.
- Began his magnum opus Birds of America in 1820.
- Traveled widely to find and paint new species.
The resulting collection was called The Birds of America. It contained 435 hand-colored, life-sized prints, depicting 489 different bird species. He printed each image onto enormous double elephant folio sheets, which measured around 3 feet by 2 feet.
When completed between 1827-1838, the book included over 1,000 plates. It required Audubon to hand-weld plates together and also develop a railroad track system to move them around his studio.
Vital Birds of America Facts
- 435 hand-colored prints of 489 species.
- Life-sized images painted with watercolors and pastels.
- Printed on double elephant folio sheets ~3 ft x 2 ft.
- Over 1,000 plates printed between 1827-1838.
- Audubon invented a system to move the giant plates.
The Birds of America was a monumental achievement in both art and natural science. But unfortunately for Audubon, the production costs severely limited the number of complete editions he could sell to subscribers. After the initial run of about 200 editions, the plates were later bought back and re-sold as smaller octavo prints that more people could afford.
The New-York Historical Society Collection
Due to the enormous size of the original double elephant folio edition, complete sets are extremely rare today. Only around 120 intact copies are believed to survive worldwide. The rest of the sets have been split up and housed across several institutions.
But the largest single collection can be found at the New-York Historical Society in New York City. This institution holds an unfinished “proof” edition containing 155 of the original hand-colored plates. It was purchased in 1863 from Lucy Bakewell Audubon, the artist’s wife.
Some key facts about this famous collection include:
- Purchased by the New-York Historical Society in 1863.
- “Proof” edition with 155 hand-colored plates.
- Displayed in the Henry Luce III Center for the Study of American Culture.
- Accessible by guided tour or through advance request.
- Undergoes conservation each decade to preserve plates.
This incomplete but original set serves as the centerpiece of the New-York Historical Society’s Audubon collection. It offers a rare chance to see a significant portion of the iconic Birds of America plates in person.
The institution occasionally loans sets of plates to other museums for special exhibitions. But at least 120 plates always remain on display. Visitors can see the plates by taking a guided tour of the Henry Luce III Center for American Culture. Researchers can also make advance requests to access the collection.
Seeing the Plates at New-York Historical Society
- Take a guided tour of the Henry Luce III Center.
- Make an advance request to view the plates.
- A portion always remains on display.
Every 10-15 years, the entire New-York Historical Society collection undergoes conservation to maintain the plates. This involves careful cleaning, mending minor damage, and digitization efforts. Thanks to these ongoing preservation measures, Audubon’s masterpiece will continue delighting and inspiring future generations.
Other Major Institutional Collections
While the New-York Historical Society holds the largest single share, several other institutions also own significant portions of the Birds of America. Here are some of the other key collections and holdings:
Natural History Museum, London
- Holds 116 plates purchased in 1855.
- One of the few complete early editions still intact.
John James Audubon State Park and Museum, Henderson, KY
- Owns 120 original plates.
- Plates were later purchased by Audubon’s family.
National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.
- Has the “Charleston Set” of 120 plates.
- Purchased the plates at auction in 1992.
Museum of Comparative Zoology, Cambridge, MA
- Given 85 plates in 1863 by Lucy Audubon.
- Part of Harvard University’s biological collections.
So while no single museum owns the entire Birds of America, visitors can still find substantial collections at these locations. The largest gatherings are in New York, London, and Henderson KY. Smaller collections also enrich several university museums.
Audubon’s ambitious publication feat serves as the foundation of ornithology in America. New discoveries are added over time, but these vivid illustrations remain timeless. The continued survival of original plates is a reminder of his artistry and passion for birds.
Legacy and Significance of Birds of America
The magnitude of John James Audubon’s Birds of America is unmatched in ornithological literature. The book significantly advanced the scientific study of North American birds, documenting new species not previously described. Audubon rendered each bird with such lifelike dynamism that the book also stands as a remarkable artistic achievement.
But the book’s most enduring impact was the inspiration it provided to both scientists and nature lovers. Major ways the Birds of America influenced future work include:
Scientific Contributions
- Documented over 25 new bird species for the first time.
- Provided extensive notes about behavior and anatomy.
- Led to additional expeditions sponsored by academies.
- Established ornithology as a serious scientific pursuit.
Artistic Influence
- Set new standard for detail and lifelike poses.
- Demonstrated birds as subjects worthy of fine art.
- Pioneered new printing processes with color lithography.
- Yielded one of the costliest books ever published.
Lasting Inspiration
- Sparked public interest in observing nature.
- Inspired subsequent naturalists and conservationists.
- Led many to careers in ornithology and biology.
- Continues introducing new generations to birds.
Audubon invested his fortune and most of his life chasing an improbable dream across frontier America. The resulting book brought birds into the public eye as never before. It endures as a shining example of dedication, perseverance, artistry, and scientific rigor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Audubon’s Birds of America so large?
Audubon wanted to document North American birds life-sized and lifelike. Printing the enormous 3 ft x 2 ft plates was the only way to render some species like wild turkeys and eagles at actual scale.
How much is the Birds of America worth today?
In 2010, a complete edition sold at auction for $11.5 million, setting a new world record for a printed book. Individual plates now sell for around $100,000-$150,000 at auction. Complete bound sets are likely worth over $10 million.
How were the plates printed?
Audubon hired engravers to etch the plates for printing. Then a team of talented colorists hand-painted each plate. Some plates required up to 30 days of work to add all the colors.
Has Birds of America ever been re-printed in full?
Yes, Birds of America was reprinted photographically in the 1930s in an edition of 120 sets. These re-prints from the original plates are sometimes available at lower prices than genuine first editions.
Where are Audubon’s original watercolor paintings?
Most of the ~500 original watercolors painted by Audubon still survive and remain privately owned. Over 100 of these are now digitized online via museums and databases.
Conclusion
In summary, John James Audubon’s magnum opus Birds of America is a milestone in ornithological and natural history literature. The collection of 435 hand-colored plates, painted life-sized, remains one of the most ambitious publishing projects ever undertaken. Today, the original double elephant folio edition is split across several institutions. The largest single share of 155 plates resides at the New-York Historical Society, now preserved via guided tours and advance requests. Audubon’s monumental artistic and scientific achievement continues to inform ornithology and inspire new generations of naturalists.
