Name/Title
Black-billed CuckooEntry/Object ID
JJA.1938.1289Description
This is an original uncolored aquatint engraving of the "Black-billed Cuckoo" from the Havell edition of John James Audubon's publication, The Birds of America (1827-1838). It is part number 7 and plate 32 of the print series. The image depicts a male and a female cuckoo in a Southern magnolia tree pursuing a flying insect. In the background are white flowers, darker leaves, and a tree branch. The print is unframed.
The print has been trimmed from its original size and other pieces of paper have been glued to the back, perhaps to add support to the original print which is torn in two corners. Pencil sketches of buildings, trees, and landscapes were drawn at some point on the additional paper on the back. The part number in the top marginalia and the artist's credit at the bottom have been torn off. In the upper right corner of the print, the plate number says, "PLATE 32." The legend at the center bottom says, "Black-billed Cuckoo, Male 1. F.2 / COCCYZUS ERYTHROPHTHALMUS. / Plant. Magnolia grandiflora." The printer's credit at the bottom right says, "Engraved, Printed & Coloured by R. Havell & Son. London. 1828."Artwork Details
Medium
Paper, InkSubject
BirdsCollection
L. S. Tyler CollectionMade/Created
Artist Information
Artist
John James Audubon, 1785-1851Attribution
AfterRole
ArtistArtist
Havell, Robert, Sr., 1769-1832Role
Print MakerArtist
Mason, Joseph R.Attribution
AfterRole
ArtistArtist
Havell, Robert, Jr., 1793-1878Role
Print MakerDate made
1828 - 1828Time Period
19th CenturyLexicon
Search Terms
Havell prints, Double Elephant Folio, Birds of AmericaDimensions
Height
19-3/16 inWidth
25-3/8 in