Skip to content
Audubon prints

20 Audubon prints lead off Arader Galleries auction June 8

Tom Hoepf
Tom Hoepf
Audubon prints
John James Audubon (1785-1851), ‘Great American Cock Male’ (Wild Turkey), Plate 1, aquatint engraving, ‘Birds of America,’ London: Havell, 1827-1838. Arader Galeries image

NEW YORK – Arader Galleries’ auction on Saturday, June 8, features stunning examples from John James Audubon’s Birds of America as well as natural history prints and watercolors by noted artists such as Thornton, Besler and Howitt, as well as an outstanding offering of maps and views. Bid absentee or live online through LiveAuctioneers.

The 222-lot auction is focused on works on paper from the 16th to the 21st centuries and as usual starts with the pinnacle of natural history illustration, John James Audubon’s Birds of America. This includes iconic works such as the Male Turkey (above), Carolina Parrot and Pileated Woodpecker.

Following Audubon is a selection of natural history watercolors and engravings, illustrating various flora and fauna, all of which are superb in their attention to detail and vibrancy (Lots 20-90). Some of the highlights include works from Thornton’s Temple of Flora, Besler’s Hortus Eystettensis, two 20th century photo-realistic birds of prey by David Johnson, stunning watercolors on vellum by Aubriet, and quaint images of kittens and puppies by Frederick Specht.

Audubon prints
Robert John Thornton (1768-1837), ‘Tulips,’ aquatint engraving, ‘Temple of Flora,’ London, 1799-1807. Arader Galeries image

Next is an excellent offering of genre scenes and landscape watercolors (Lots 91-116) with noted works such as William Callow’s Rotterdam, William Alister MacDonald’s gorgeous views of Tahiti, Gunnar Widforss’ beautiful image of the Grand Canyon, an early sketch by John Constable done in preparation of his ” … Battle of Trafalgar,” and finally original watercolors by Frederick Catherwood of the ruins of ancient Egypt.

Audubon prints
John Constable (1776-1837), ‘Hulks on the Medway,’ 1803, pencil and blue wash on paper, preparatory study for ‘His Majesty’s ship Victory in the memorable Battle of Trafalgar.’ Arader Galeries image

Last, but certainly not least, is a vibrant assemblage of rare maps, views and Americana from the 16th to 20th centuries (Lots 117-222). Highlights include works by talented cartographers such as Saxton, Ortelius, Mercator, Blaeu, Dudley, Speed, Sauthier, Montressor and Bradley.

Audubon prints
Abraham Bradley (1767-1838), map of the United States, engraved map, Georgetown, 1825 (third edition). Arader Galeries image

Arader Galeries states this sale is a great opportunity to purchase interesting and influential items from throughout the ages.

Prospective bidders are invited to contact Arader Galeries at 215-735-8811 or info@aradergalleries.com with any questions or requests for additional photographs and/or condition reports.

The auction is June 8 at 1 p.m. at Arader Galeries’ New York gallery.  The address is 1016 Madison Ave. (cross street: 78th Street).

[av_button label=’View the fully illustrated catalog and bid on LiveAuctioneers.’ link=’manually,https://www.liveauctioneers.com/catalog/141593_arader-galleries-june-auction/’ link_target=’_blank’ size=’medium’ position=’center’ label_display=” icon_select=’no’ icon=’ue800′ font=’entypo-fontello’ color=’theme-color’ custom_bg=’#444444′ custom_font=’#ffffff’ av_uid=’av-scj836′ admin_preview_bg=”]