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Artist/Maker (1785 – 1851)

Seaside Sparrow (Ammodramus maritimus), Study for Havell pl. 93

1829
Place madeNew Jersey, United States, North America
Watercolor, graphite, pastel, and gouache with scratching out and touches of glazing on paper, laid on card
Mat: 29 x 23 in. (73.7 x 58.4 cm)
Sheet: 18 13/16 × 11 5/8 in. (47.8 × 29.5 cm)
Purchased for the Society by public subscription from Mrs. John J. Audubon
1863.17.93
The background flora has been identified as Virginia rose (Rosa virginiana).
DescriptionA non-migratory subspecies of the Seaside Sparrow, the Dusky Seaside Sparrow (Ammodramus maritimus nigrescens), found in Southern Florida in the natural salt marshes of Merritt Island and along the St. Johns River, was officially declared extinct in December 1990. The last definite known individual died on June 17, 1987.

MarkingsWatermark: JWHATMAN / TURKEY MILLS / 1827
InscribedInscribed at lower left in graphite: "Sea Side Finch / Rosa carolina / (wild rose)"; below in brown ink [over erased graphite inscription ending with initials "J.J.A"]: "Plant. Rosa Carolina / Vulgo. Wild Rose. / No 19. / Plate 93. / June 14 / Great Egg Harbour --"; at lower left of center: "Sea side Finch. / Fringilla maritima"; at upper left in graphite[erased]: "No 19"
ClassificationsDRAWINGS
Collections
  • Audubon's Watercolors for The Birds of America
Cigar box
1880-1890
2002.1.3654
Calendar
1939
2002.1.1989
Cup and saucer
Imura Workshop
ca. 1890-1900
S-247.5ab