This exceptional originally hand-colored engraving is from Alexander Wilson’s American Ornithology or The Natural History of the Birds of the United States. This is the second edition published in 1829. This edition is often preferred to the first because of the superior paper quality. The same copper plates were used in publication so the subjects are identical to the first.

There are listed at the bottom of the engraving: a Red-Winged Starling, a Red Poll, a Black Poll, a Warbler, and one I cannot read.

Alexander Wilson is known as the “Father of American Ornithology.” Wilson’s work, American Ornithology, was the first focused on only American birds. Wilson drew most of the birds for the work himself and employed Alexander Lawson and John G. Warnicke for the engraving.

Artist: Alexander Wilson

Medium: Hand-colored Engraving (Original Hand-Coloring)

Size: 14 5/8 by 11 1/2 inches.

Date: 1829.

Condition: The work is Very Good Antique Condition. Better overall condition than you would expect from an object of substantial age that has been displayed/handled/used, usually over the lifetimes of several owners. Please note that the physical colors of this item may vary from the pictures in the listing, given the quality of the camera, the lighting and the background used.

Literature: American Ornithology or The Natural History of the Birds of the United States.