Audubon as artist : a new look at The birds of America / Roberta J. M. Olson.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Olson, Roberta J. M., author.

Contributor:

Rosengarten Family Fund.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Audubon, John James, 1785-1851. Birds of America.

Audubon, John James.

Birds--North America--Pictorial works.

Birds.

Physical Description:

383 pages : illustrations ; 26 cm

Place of Publication:

London : Reaktion Books, 2024.

Summary:

"John James Audubon (1785-1851), artist, naturalist, and creator of the celebrated The Birds of America, is widely regarded as America's first exceptional watercolorist. This book offers a unique exploration of Audubon's artistic journey intertwined with the drama of his life, unveiling how he studied both past and contemporary artists to forge something entirely innovative. Through this book, readers are invited to rediscover Audubon's groundbreaking watercolors as exemplary works of fine art. Moreover, the book delves into the controversies surrounding this legendary figure, who, for the first time in history, accurately represented all avian species life-size. Beautifully illustrated, it chronicles how Audubon infused ornithological illustration with a sense of exhilaration, breathing new life into once-conventional formulas and transforming them into awe-inspiring masterpieces. With 198 illustrations, 192 in colour"-- Provided by publisher

Contents:

Introduction

Before The Birds of America and Audubon's 'Early Birds'

Desperately Seeking a Living in Art

Audubon in the Crosshairs

Fledging: Great Britain and the Odyssey of The Birds

To France and Feathering the Nest

Migrations to Parts Unknown and Completing the Flock

Audubon at the Crossroads

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 337-359) and index.

Local Notes:

Acquired for the Penn Libraries with assistance from the Rosengarten Family Fund.

ISBN:

9781789148381

1789148383

OCLC:

1399163525