Audubon as Artist: A New Look at the Birds of America

"Olson deftly sketches a lively portrait of the man. . . . She gives us his rich inner life as well. . . . Riveting. . . . Refreshing."--Wall Street Journal

Exquisitely illustrated and innovative, an investigation of the artistic evolution of John James Audubon.

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.


About the Author
Roberta J. M. Olson is curator of drawings at the New-York Historical Society. Her books include Cosmos, also published by Reaktion Books, and Audubon's Aviary: The Original Watercolors for 'The Birds of America'.