John James Audubon (American, 1785-1851). "Musk Ox." From "The Viviparous Quadrupeds of North America." New York: J.J. Audubon, 1845-48. Imperial Folio. Lithograph by Bowen. Original hand coloring by Bowen. A wonderful print from Audubon's magnificent "The Viviparous Quadrupeds of North America," this composition was conceived similarly to Audubon’s "Birds of America", that is as a complete presentation of the quadrupeds of "the British and Russian possessions in American, the whole of the United States and their territories, California, and that part of Mexico north of the Tropic of Cancer." This large-scale, hand-colored lithograph features two impressive musk oxen standing in a grassy terrain, surrounded by natural flora, with evergreens in the distance, as well as a body of water and majestic mountains beyond. Native to the Arctic, the musk ox (also muskox or musk-ox) is named for its strong musky odor which attracts females during the mating season. Size: 21.75" L x 27.5" W (55.2 cm x 69.8 cm) Size of matte: 26.75" L x 32.125" W (67.9 cm x 81.6 cm)

"The Viviparous Quadrupeds of North America" includes 150 prints in the imperial folio size, each one lithographed and hand-colored with meticulous precision and the utmost care. Note how Audubon presented the fur on the animals in a remarkably realistic manner. This was the first work on American quadrupeds of such magnitude and quality, and as Audubon's second great achievement after "Birds of America," it is a landmark of American natural science. While somewhat overshadowed by the "Birds of America," some consider the prints of Audubon’s "The Quadrupeds of North America" to be even finer and more accurate than the bird prints.

Audubon took this project on, yet another of monumental proportions, during the last twelve years of his life. As he trekked over much of that territory, Audubon made an impressive number of studies of the animals in their natural habitats and also collected many animal skins. With the assistance of his sons, John Woodhouse and Victor, Audubon started issuing the prints by subscription in 1842, with the first volume of 50 plates published in 1845.

Provenance: private Denver, Colorado, USA collection

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#164773

Slight darkening to margins and minute losses to peripheries. Imagery and colors are vivid. Overall in very good condition and set in a protective matte.