Crimson-Fronted Purple Finch

by John James Audubon

The outstanding antiquarian print represents the amazing vibrancy of John James Audubon’s Crimson-Fronted Purple Finch (Plate 197), belonging to the very rare First Royal Octavo Edition of The Birds of America (around 1840–1844). Magnificently lithographed, printed and hand-colored by the famous J.T. Bowen from Philadelphia, this tiny masterpiece reveals the distinctive talent of Audubon to combine the scientific accuracy with an energetic artistic composition.

The lithograph wonderfully demonstrates the unique rose-crimson coloring of the male finch in the natural botanical environment portrayed with accurate, life-like strokes. The octavo version of this edition was carefully supervised by Audubon in order to create the more convenient, but equally true-to-life alternative to the enormous Double Elephant Folio. It is known for its bright hand-coloring, special plate marks and fine mid-19th-century woven paper.