9781789148381
“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.
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.
384 pages | 130 color plates, 55 halftones | 7.48 x 9.84
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Table of Contents
Introduction
Chapter 1 Before The Birds of America and Audubon’s ‘Early Birds’
Chapter 2 Desperately Seeking a Living in Art
Chapter 3 Audubon in the Crosshairs
Chapter 4 Fledging: Great Britain and the Odyssey of The Birds
Chapter 5 To France and Feathering the Nest
Chapter 6 Migrations to Parts Unknown and Completing the Flock
Chapter 7 Audubon at the Crossroads
Appendix: List of Exhibitions and Learned Society Memberships
Abbreviations and Short References
References
Further Reading
Acknowledgements
List of Illustrations
Index
Chapter 1 Before The Birds of America and Audubon’s ‘Early Birds’
Chapter 2 Desperately Seeking a Living in Art
Chapter 3 Audubon in the Crosshairs
Chapter 4 Fledging: Great Britain and the Odyssey of The Birds
Chapter 5 To France and Feathering the Nest
Chapter 6 Migrations to Parts Unknown and Completing the Flock
Chapter 7 Audubon at the Crossroads
Appendix: List of Exhibitions and Learned Society Memberships
Abbreviations and Short References
References
Further Reading
Acknowledgements
List of Illustrations
Index
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