This hand-colored lithograph comes from John James Audubon's first octavo edition of Birds of America published from 1840 to 1844. The work was completed under the direct supervision of J. J. Audubon. The lithography and hand-coloring was completed by J. T. Bowen.
Prints from Birds of America are amongst the most sought after and collectible of hand-colored American prints. The first edition was the only one to be completed using strictly hand-coloring.
John James Audubon (1785-1851) is perhaps the most famous of early American naturalists. Birds of America is one of the best examples of hand-colored work in America and is highly collectible.