Art Guide · Painters
John James Audubon
1785–1851
John James Audubon (1785–1851) was a naturalist and artist known for “The Birds of America”, in which he painted North American birds at life size. Its hand-coloured plates are among the most valuable printed books in the world.
Last updated: · Iconica Society editors
Life
Born in the French colony of Saint-Domingue and raised in France, he emigrated to the United States in 1803. After failing in business, he devoted himself to painting every bird in America. Unable to find a publisher in the US, he went to Britain.
Today he is a controversial figure because he enslaved people and had ties to slavery, an aspect increasingly addressed when his work is discussed.
Style and key works
Unlike most of his contemporaries, Audubon painted birds alive, in motion and in their habitats. The Birds of America, published in London between 1827 and 1838, contains 435 hand-coloured plates printed in the huge “double elephant” format to show the birds at life size. A complete copy sold for about $11.5 million in 2010.
Key works
Shop John James Audubon posters →Frequently asked questions
How many plates are in The Birds of America?
435 hand-coloured plates, showing around 500 bird species.
Why is Audubon controversial?
He enslaved people and had ties to slavery; the large numbers of birds he killed for his studies are also criticised today.