Audubon, John James Aquatint, Purple Grackle or Common Crow Blackbird, Plate 7.

AUDUBON, John James (1785 - 1851).
Purple Grackle or Common Crow Blackbird, Plate 7.
Aquatint engraving with original hand color.
London: Robert Havell, 1827-1838.
25 3/8” x 37 1/2" sheet.

Comparable: Arader Galleries, 2019 - $16,250; Christie's, 2004 - $13,145.

"I could not think of any better mode of representing these birds than that which I have adopted, as it exhibits them in the exercise of their nefarious propensities. Look at them: The male, as if full of delight at the sight of the havoc which he has already committed on the tender, juicy, unripe corn on which he stands, has swelled his throat, and is calling in exultation to his companions to come and assist him in demolishing it. The female has fed herself, and is about to fly off with a well-loaded bill to her hungry and expectant brood, that, from the nest, look on their plundering parents, joyously anticipating the pleasures of which they shall ere long be allowed to participate. See how torn the husk is from the ear, and how nearly devoured the grains of corn already are! This is the tithe our Blackbirds take from our planters and farmers; but it was so appointed, and such is the will of the beneficent Creator." - Audubon's Ornithological Biography, 1831.