Audubon Birds Hand-Colored Lithographs & More

Amsterdam Edition Audubon Birds

Sourced from the Amsterdam elephant folio edition of John James Audubon “Birds of America” which published in Holland in 1971. This was an affordable edition as compared to the first Havell edition. Each piece is a 50+ year old Dutch photolithograph on “Zonen” watermark paper. A limited number of 250 copies books published of all 435 birds of America.

“G. Schut & Zonen” is the paper company’s watermark. It is what to look for in a 1971 Amsterdam elephant folio edition of John Audubon Bird’s of America. Paper measures 26 1/4 x 39 1/2. Call Anne at 413-245-4197 for further information.

Set of 3 framed, 1870 Lockwood Edition Audubon Birds, all Blue Jays

A set of three professionally framed Blue Jays from JJ Audubon’s Birds of America. Sourced from his Lockwood edition which published 1870. The 19th century hand-colored lithographs are framed using archival materials. Rag matting, UV glass and beautiful satin finish burl wood frames. Each piece measures 13×16″ $1250. shipped. Call 413-245-4197 to place your order.

John James Audubon Birds  c.1870 Lockwood Edition

Our JJ Audubon’s Birds of America are sourced from his Lockwood edition which published 1870. Each piece is a 19th century hand colored lithographs.  The famous American naturalist, JJ Audubon Havell or 1st edition of Birds of North America c.1835-42.  Audubon’s ornithological illustrations were very popular over the years. But the books were too expensive. There needed to be a more affordable edition to sell. Interest was strong and demand was high, so a second (small) octavo edition of JJ Audubon’s Birds of America published in 1870. It is known as the Lockwood Edition. Here are North American species of song birds, perching & feeder types. Each piece is double matted in archival rag mats to 9×12″  and will fit a deep standard sized frame. Click here to contact us.

Notations on the Audubon Birds and Lithography

Audubon’s illustrations were transferred onto a specially crafted flat piece of limestone which would be in relief later in the process.  The illustration was drawn with a kind of a greasy crayon. Once finished with meticulous detail, the limestone plate was emerged into nitric acid. The nitric acid burned away the parts of the limestone that was not protect extend by the greasy crayon. The plate was cleaned off, inked up and printed in black ink. It took tremendous skill to be an excellent lithographer. One would serve an apprenticeship for years before becoming one. If you were not good, you would never work for a major firm. Your job depended on your skill.

The porosity of the limestone had to have a just the right consistency and posits for printing purposes. The water colors were added professionally hand colored at the time of production, back in 1870. This work is one of the few old works published on North American Birds during the 1800’s.

Additional ideas & decorative prints to complement your style

Please look further into other subjects we offer. We have stunning collections of antique lithographs-hand colored engravings. How will you surround yourself in art with a history? Thank you for visiting!

Rabbits Bunnies Hares-Original Audubon Lithographs & Decorative Gifts (annehallantiqueprints.com)

Insect prints showing butterfly & bug transformations in one gallery. (annehallantiqueprints.com)

Fancy Flowers Tulips & Clematis. Basilius Besler & American Fairy Bower (annehallantiqueprints.com)