6 Fine Prints Fusing Illustration and History
Artists and nature meet in this fine print collection displaying wonders of the natural world and unique portraits of times past. From a signed drypoint portrait by Whistler, to an Audubon lithograph of a rare oriole, this auction showcases a rich variety of imagery and print techniques. A few highlights from the sale are featured below:
This Audubon Baltimore Oriole print from a limited edition (505/1500) is framed under UV-protective glass.
John James Audubon, ‘Baltimore Oriole’, original limited edition Princeton Audubon print of orioles (505/1500). Estimate: $1,300-$1,700
John James Audubon (1785-1851) was an American ornithologist, painter and naturalist. With his extensive illustrations documenting American birds, he was the dominant wildlife artist during his lifetime. He became famous for his book Birds in America, which contained 435 life-size prints.
Audubon’s Louisiana Tanager, which will be offered in the auction, is an original hand-colored lithograph from Bird’s of America published in 1840.
John James Audubon, ‘Louisiana Tanager,’ original hand-colored lithograph from ‘Bird’s of America, first octavo edition, 1840, matted but not framed. Estimate: $800-$1,000
This 1859 drypoint etching by American artist James Abbott McNeill Whistler of French sculptor Charles Drouet (1836-1908) is another highlight.
James Abbott McNeill Whistler, ‘Drouet, Sculpteur,’ drypoint, 1859. Estimate: $1,500-$1,800
Moving into the 20th century, the auction holds another portrait of an artist by a fellow artist: Anders Zorn’s original etching of noted sculptor Prince Paul Troubetzkoy II. Zorn (1860-1920) was one of Sweden’s foremost artists. He obtained international success as a painter, sculptor and etcher.
Anders Zorn, ‘Prince Paul Troubetzkoy II,’ etching, signed in pencil, 1909, edition 30-50. Estimate: $1,500-$1,800
Next comes two lots by by Georges Rouault (1871-1958) a French painter, draftsman and printer, whose work is often associated with Fauvism and Expressionism. The first is a portrait of French poet Charles Baudelaire.
Georges Rouault, ‘Baudelaire,’ wash and lithographic crayon, 1926. Estimate: $1,200-$1,500
The second is a woodblock print titled Notre Dame de la Fin des Terres (Our Lady of the End of the World), which is signed and dated (1938) in the block.
Georges Rouault, ‘Notre Dame de la Fin des Terres’ (Our Lady of the End of the World), woodblock print. Estimate: $1,500-$1,800
View the full catalog of fine prints curated by Jasper52.
