AUDUBON, John James (1785 - 1851), Rose-breasted Grosbeak, (Plate 127), 1827–1838

JOHN JAMES AUDUBON (1785 - 1851)

Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Plate 127

From the Birds of America

Aquatint engraving with original hand color

London: Robert Havell, 1827–1838

Paper size: 38 5/8 x 26 in.

Frame size: 49 x 36 3/8 in.

“...I closed my eyes, and was passing away into the world of dreaming existence, when suddenly there burst on my soul the serenade of the Rose-breasted bird, so rich, so mellow, so loud in the stillness of the night, that sleep fled from my eyelids. Never did I enjoy music more: it thrilled through my heart, and surrounded me with an atmosphere of bliss. One might easily have imagined that even the Owl, charmed by such delightful music, remained reverently silent.” - Audubon’s Ornithological Biography, 1831.