Audubon’s Birds of America

4 February 2022

Print depicting a Swallow Tailed Hawk (detail; 1827-38), John James Audubon. © National Museums Scotland

John James Audubon’s Birds of America (1827-38) transformed ornithological illustration, and the American woodsman’s original life-size prints – 46 of which go on show in the display at the National Museum of Scotland (12 February–8 May) – are spectacular when see in the flesh. The exhibition also considers Audubon’s complex character, controversial both in his day and ours. Find out more from the National Museum of Scotland’s website.

Preview below | View Apollo’s Art Diary here

Print depicting Barn Owls (1827-38), John James Audubon.

Print depicting Barn Owls (1827–38), John James Audubon. © National Museums Scotland

Print depicting Prothonotary Warblers (1827-38), John James Audubon.

Print depicting Prothonotary Warblers (1827–38), John James Audubon. © National Museums Scotland

Print depicting Brasilian Caracara Eagles (1827-38), John James Audubon.

Print depicting Brasilian Caracara Eagles (1827–38), John James Audubon. © National Museums Scotland

Print depicting Yellow Billed Cuckoo (1827-38), John James Audubon.

Print depicting Yellow Billed Cuckoo (1827–38), John James Audubon. © National Museums Scotland

Print depicting a Swallow Tailed Hawk (1827-38), John James Audubon.

Print depicting a Swallow Tailed Hawk (1827–38), John James Audubon. © National Museums Scotland