Skip to main content
Artist/Maker (1785 – 1851)

Roseate Spoonbill (Platalea ajaja), Havell plate no. 321

ca. 1831-1832; 1836
Place madeFlorida, United States, North America
andLondon, England, Europe
Watercolor, graphite, gouache, and black ink with touches of glazing on paper, laid on Japanese paper
Sheet (paper): 23 1/8 × 35 11/16 in. (58.7 × 90.6 cm)
Mat: 39 x 53 in. (99.1 x 134.6 cm)
Purchased for the Society by public subscription from Mrs. John J. Audubon
1863.17.321
In danger of extinction at the beginning of the 20th century, it survives today because it is protected by conservation laws.
DescriptionAdult, breeding plumage; the background, only a vague sketch in the watercolor, was finished for Havell plate no. 321, probably by George Lehman, ca. 1800 – 1870 or the engraver Robert Havell Jr.
InscribedOn verso at upper right in graphite, revealed after removal from mount: "[cut] to end of[illegible] / to end of claws -- 36 " -- / Alar extent -- 51" -- / weight -- 3-- lb 14 ozes. / Florida Keyes May 23d 1832 / J.J A / drawn at London 1836"
ClassificationsDRAWINGS
Collections
  • Audubon's Watercolors for The Birds of America
Great Egret (Ardea alba), Havell plate no. 386
John James Audubon
1832
1863.17.386
Lapland Longspur (Calcarius lapponicus), Havell plate no. 365
John James Audubon
1819; ca. 1835
1863.17.365