AUDUBON, John James (1785 - 1851), Carolina Pigeon or Turtle Dove, (Plate 17), 1827–1838

JOHN JAMES AUDUBON (1785 - 1851)

Carolina Pigeon or Turtle Dove, Plate 17

From the Birds of America

Aquatint engraving with original hand color

London: Robert Havell, 1827–1838

Paper size: 37 x 24 1/8 in.

Frame size: 46 1/2 x 33 5/8 in.

“I have tried, kind reader, to give you a faithful representation of two as gentle pairs of Turtles as ever cooed their loves in the green woods. I have placed them on a branch of Stuartia, which you see ornamented with a profusion of white blossoms, emblematic of purity and chastity. Look at the female, as she assiduously sits on her eggs, embo-somed among the thick foliage, receiving food from the bill of her mate, and listening with delight to his assurances of devoted affection. Nothing is wanting to render the moment as happy as could be desired by any couple on a similar occasion.” - John James Audubon