John James Audubon
American, 1785 - 1851
Artist Bio: John James Audubon
John James Audubon (1785-1851) was a pivotal figure in American wildlife art, best known for his monumental work, The Birds of America, which features 435 life-size prints. Although not the first to document American birds—Alexander Wilson holds that distinction—Audubon’s vivid depictions and compelling narratives set a standard for future ornithologists and artists like Roger Tory Peterson and David Sibley.
Born in Saint Domingue (now Haiti), Audubon was the illegitimate son of a French sea captain. His mother's identity is debated; some argue she was of mixed race, complicating Audubon’s legacy as both a celebrated artist and a controversial figure. He enslaved individuals and engaged in academic fraud, casting a shadow over his achievements.
Audubon moved to the U.S. at 18, where he honed his artistic skills while running a dry-goods store. He conducted North America’s first bird-banding experiment before dedicating himself to capturing the continent’s avifauna in the early 1820s. His work resonated with the Romantic movement in England, leading to widespread acclaim.
Audubon continued to explore and document wildlife until his death at 65, leaving a lasting impact on both art and natural history. He is buried in Trinity Cemetery in New York City.
John James Audubon (1785-1851) was a pivotal figure in American wildlife art, best known for his monumental work, The Birds of America, which features 435 life-size prints. Although not the first to document American birds—Alexander Wilson holds that distinction—Audubon’s vivid depictions and compelling narratives set a standard for future ornithologists and artists like Roger Tory Peterson and David Sibley.
Born in Saint Domingue (now Haiti), Audubon was the illegitimate son of a French sea captain. His mother's identity is debated; some argue she was of mixed race, complicating Audubon’s legacy as both a celebrated artist and a controversial figure. He enslaved individuals and engaged in academic fraud, casting a shadow over his achievements.
Audubon moved to the U.S. at 18, where he honed his artistic skills while running a dry-goods store. He conducted North America’s first bird-banding experiment before dedicating himself to capturing the continent’s avifauna in the early 1820s. His work resonated with the Romantic movement in England, leading to widespread acclaim.
Audubon continued to explore and document wildlife until his death at 65, leaving a lasting impact on both art and natural history. He is buried in Trinity Cemetery in New York City.
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