JOHN JAMES AUDUBON Autograph "BIRDS OF AMERICA" Title Plate Signed * PSA

THE SIGNED TITLE PAGE TO AUDUBON'S 11.5 MILLION DOLLAR SET

Explorer, Naturalist and Artist, JOHN JAMES AUDUBON exceedingly scarce signed and inscribed title plate page from his seminal Birds Of America Vol 1 (R. Havell), 1844. In full, "Purchased by E.B. Little Esq. at New York March 4, 1844, from his well wisher, John J. Audubon", on paper watermarked 'J. Whatman 1836'. This is just one of only 2 signed title pages we have been able to locate that have come to market in the last two decades.

Double Elephant Folio sheet size appx. 38" x 26", the largest paper sheets available at the time. Dimensions as matted, appx. 32 x 20". Page is mounted to mat. Includes PH-neutral backer cut to the same size as the mat.

The Birds of America is a book by naturalist and painter John James Audubon, containing illustrations of a wide variety of birds of the United States. The work consists of 435 hand-coloured, life-size prints, made from engraved plates. It includes images of five extinct birds and three possibly extinct birds.

A total of 435 prints were published from Audubon's paintings. These are copperplate engravings printed on high quality Double Elephant Folio size wove paper with a watermark (either J. Whatman or J. Whatman Turkey Mill, followed by the year). These plates (commonly referred to as the "Havell Edition") are known for the exquisite and unsurpassed beauty and details in the images, and the fresh vibrant colors. 


It is thought that no more than 120 complete sets exist today. In March 2000, a copy of The Birds of America sold at Christie's for $8.8 million, while another sold in 2010 at Sotheby's for a record $11.5 million – a record for any book at auction at the time!


GUARANTEED GENUINE. The Audubon inscribed page has been thoroughly examined and CERTIFIED AUTHENTIC BY PSA/DNA EXPERT EXAMINATION. An investment-quality acquisition for any collection.

Condition is as shown, with toning, wrinkles, folds and stains consistent with age, use, handling and storage. Please review photos carefully for exact condition. 

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Own a one of a kind, original piece of Art history! The perfect acquisition for the Art, Nature, Autograph or History collector. An exceptional investment opportunity, and a truly rare and remarkable find. A must have addition for any truly exceptional autograph collection.

Sold as is, as shown.