John James Audubon's Birds of America - 7 Volume set with 500 Originally Hand-colored Lithographs, The Bradley ...

John James Audubon's Birds of America - 7 Volume set with 500 Originally Hand-colored Lithographs, The Bradley Martin Copy (Provenance)
This is the first edition, seven volume set with 500 originally hand-colored lithographs of John James Audubon's Birds of America published from 1840 to 1844.  The work was completed under the direct supervision of J. J. Audubon.  The lithography and hand-coloring were completed by J. T. Bowen. The set is bound in three quarters leather with gilt highlighting and five raised bands.

Prints and thus this beautiful complete set in truly wonderful condition of Birds of America are amongst the most sought after and collectible of hand-colored American prints.  The first edition was the only one to be completed using strictly hand-coloring.

John James Audubon (1785-1851) is perhaps the most famous of early American naturalists.  Birds of America is one of the best examples of hand-colored work in America and is highly collectible.

The work is bound in three quarter leather with gilt lettering and bands.

Provenance: This set was from the esteemed collector, Bradley Martin. Sold at Sotheby's in 1989, lot 35. (https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1989/06/06/bound-for-auction-h-bradley-martins-30-million-col lection/492ca788-1841-4218-b98a-fa4c7a62a639/)


Paper Size ~ 6 1/2" by 10 1/4"

The set is in overall very good to excellent condition. There is some light offset or occasional fox marks to a few plates as is typical with Audubon birds, but moreso to the tissue guards. The plates are generally clean and fresh. There is some light foxing to the text. There is some minor scuffing, but the bindings sound. Please review the images carefully for condition and contact us with any further questions on the work.
~ 6 1/2" by 10 1/4"