Engraving, "Red Owl, Warbling Flycatcher, Purple Finch, Brown Lark," 1808-1813

Summary

Alexander Wilson, encouraged by naturalist William Bartram, began to document the birds of the United States in the early years of the 19th century. His paintings, drawings and descriptions formed the basis of a proposed ten-volume set called American Ornithology. Wilson completed nine volumes by the time of his death in 1813. His work predates that of John James Audubon by nearly twenty years.

Alexander Wilson, encouraged by naturalist William Bartram, began to document the birds of the United States in the early years of the 19th century. His paintings, drawings and descriptions formed the basis of a proposed ten-volume set called American Ornithology. Wilson completed nine volumes by the time of his death in 1813. His work predates that of John James Audubon by nearly twenty years.

Artifact

Print (Visual work)

Date Made

1808-1813

Subject Date

1808-1813

Creators

Wilson, Alexander, 1766-1813 

Lawson, Alexander, 1773-1846 

Place of Creation

United States, Pennsylvania 

Creator Notes

Original artwork by Alexander Wilson, engraved by Alexander Lawson, Pennsylvania.

Collection Title

Print Collection 

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

77.1.26

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Mrs. Frederick B. Sturm.

Material

Paper (Fiber product)

Technique

Engraving (Printing process)
Hand coloring

Color

Multicolored

Dimensions

Height: 17.75 in

Width: 12.5 in

Inscriptions

Text on lower left corner: Drawn from Nature by A Wilson Text on lower right corner: Engraved by A Lawson Number printed under title: 12

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