Share this page
Audubon's Blue Heron print makes $85,400 in US auction
James John Audubon's Great Blue Heron working proof for Birds of America has sold
Paul Fraser Collectibles, Monday 6 August 2012
More Books news | View our stock for sale | Learn about our 120% Guarantee | Download our iPhone app | Sign-up for your Free Newsletter
A print from James John Audubon's Birds of America has sold for $85,400 at a books and manuscripts auction in Chicago.
Audubon's working proof of the great blue heron came in comfortably within estimate, and is further evidence of the huge popularity of his works at auction.
 Birds of America's is the world's most valuable book |
Completed and published over 11 years from 1827 to 1838, Birds of America is considered the highest achievement in ornithological art.
It is the world's most valuable book, with one of the 200 elephant folio copies produced having sold for £7.3m last year.
The full sheet print at yesterday's (August 8) auction differs from the published edition, with blue rather than grey colouring to the heron's body, and alterations to the bird's feathers, which are highlighted in green, as well as changes to the thigh and bend of the wing, which is russet rather than orange.
It also lacks the engraved lettering and plate numbers of the published version.
Several repairs to the edges and a small filled hole were the piece's only detractions.
We expect the piece to provide a superb mid- to long-term investment for its new owner, such is the popularity of Audubon's Birds of America works. You can view other investment-grade books and manuscripts here, courtesy of Paul Fraser Collectibles.
We will bring you more from the auction shortly, so be sure to check back soon.
Recent and related articles
· Rare first edition books: making a profit | 8 August 2012
· Birmingham Medical Institute auction topped by 1670 midwifery book | 27 July 2012
· Captain Scott discovery letters to auction for $125,600 at Christie's | 21 July 2012
Your collecting
View our stock items for sale | How to start a collection
Guides and analysis
Investing in Books | 10 reasons to invest in collectibles | Market information & demographics
www.paulfrasercollectibles.com
Images: Leslie Hindman Auctioneers
