Name/Title
Semipalmated SandpiperEntry/Object ID
5757Description
Two white and brown birds standing on low rocks surrounded by small shells. One is bending down to water, the other is walking in the same directionArtwork Details
Medium
Hand-colored lithographContext
John J. Audubon’s (1785-1851) book ‘Birds of America’ was originally printed with “Double Elephant folio” engravings, meaning 435 life size images of North American birds. Between 1840 and 1869, several editions of a smaller (“octavo”) version of the book were printed. The prints found in DePaul’s collection are from this later era, and were printed by J.T. Bowen in Philadelphia. Bowen used a “camera lucida” to project the large engravings on lithographic stone which was then hand drawn and hand painted using watercolors. These smaller sized books made Audubon’s work accessible to a wider audience, and helped his art gain the reputation it still holds today.Acquisition
Accession
5000.89Source or Donor
Douglas KenyonAcquisition Method
GiftCredit Line
Collection of DePaul University, Gift of Douglas KenyonMade/Created
Date made
1840 - 1869Notes
Creation Date: early to mid-20th century