Charles Lapicque

Le Chant des Oiseaux

1972

This is a framed original 19th century hand-colored folio-sized lithograph entitled “Cacatua Ophthalimica” (Blue-eyed Cockatoo) by John Gould, from the supplement to his "Birds of Australia", published in London between 1851 and 1869. The print depicts a large blue-eyed cockatoo perched on a branch, with its head turned to the left. The scene is enhanced with leaves and sky and clouds in the background. This striking framed Gould...

This is a framed original 19th century hand-colored folio-sized lithograph entitled “Ciconia Alba” (A family of storks) by John Gould, from the supplement to his "Birds of Great Brit...

This is an original 1st octavo edition John James Audubon hand-colored lithograph entitled "Black-billed Cuckoo, 1. Male, 2, Female, Magnolia Grandiflora", No. 56, Plate 276 from Audubon's "Birds of America, lithographed, printed and colored by J. T. Bowen and published in Philadelphia between 1840-1844. It depicts a female black-billed cuckoo perched on a branch of a magnolia tree reaching for a flying insect. The male appears to be in flight in front of magnolia leaves on the right, perhaps after the same insect. Magnolia flowers are depicted, as well. This original 1st octavo edition hand-colored Audubon Black-billed Cuckoo lithograph is in excellent condition, other than a few tiny spots in the upper margin and a tiny faint spot in the lower inscription area. The sheet measures 6.5" high by 10.13" wide. The original text pages, 300-302, from Audubon's 19th century publication are included with the lithograph. John James Audubon (1785-1851) was a naturalist and artist. He was initially unsuccessful financially prior to the publication of his famous work “The Birds of America”, spending time in debtor’s prison, once stabbing a disgruntled investor in self-defense. However, his obsession with birds and art motivated him to persist in his goal of documenting every bird in America via his watercolor paintings and publishing his works for all to enjoy. Audubon's first illustrations were published in a large elephant folio size. Due to their expense they were purchased in rather small numbers by the wealthy. To reach a larger audience, Audubon, with the help of his sons and J. T. Bowen, published a smaller octavo sized lithograph version, which were much more affordable. With the success of his bird projects, Audubon then turned his attention to four-legged animals. He explored the Missouri River in 1843 sketching the four-legged animals he encountered in their natural setting. His expedition covered some of the same regions recently explored by Lewis and Clark, traveling from present day Alaska to Mexico. Audubon realized that this was an opportunity to document these animals in the still relatively pristine American wilderness, before man encroached on their environment. Between 1845 and 1848, Audubon and his sons John Woodhouse Audubon and Victor Gifford Audubon produced a set of elephant folio sized lithographs that were primarily engraved and hand colored by J. T. Bowen in Philadelphia. The publication, which included text descriptions of the animals was published 3 years before Audubon died. As with the birds, this was followed by a three-volume set of 155 octavo-sized plates entitled “The Quadrupeds of North America” completed and published by Audubon’s sons, John, Jr. and Victor. Audubon prints continue to be popular and a wise investment. The double elephant folio set...

This is a framed original 19th century hand-colored folio-sized lithograph entitled “Strix Flammea” (Barn Owl) by John Gould, from his "Birds of Great Britain", published in London between 1862 and 1873. The print depicts an adult Barn Owl perched on a log its three baby owls to the left. Another adult owl in the background on the right, presumably a male, watches over his family. There are leaves on the right contributing to this pleasant landscape composition. This striking framed Gould...

This is an original John James Audubon hand-colored royal octavo lithograph entitled "Prairie Wolf", No. 15, Plate LXXI, 71 from Audubon's "Quadrupeds of North America". It was drawn...

This is an original John James Audubon hand-colored lithograph entitled "Buff-breasted Merganser Goosander, 1. Male 2. Female", No. 83, Plate 411 from Audubon's "Birds of America, li...

This is an original John James Audubon hand-colored royal octavo lithograph entitled "Washington Sea Eagle", No. 3, Plate 13, from Audubon's "Birds of America". It was lithographed, printed and colored by J. T. Bowen and published in Philadelphia between 1856-1871. It depicts an adult male sea eagle perched on a rock. This is an excerpt from Audubon's own description of this magnificent eagle, which includes how he came up with the name "Washington Sea Eagle": "The name which I have chosen for this new species of Eagle, “The Bird of Washington,” may, by some, be considered as preposterous and unfit; but as it is indisputably the noblest bird of its genus that has yet been discovered in the United States, I trust I shall be allowed to honour it with the name of one yet nobler, who was the saviour of his country, and whose name will ever be dear, to it. To those who may be curious to know my reasons, I can only say, that, as the new world gave me birth and liberty, the great man who ensured its independence is next to my heart. He had a nobility of mind, and a generosity of soul, such as are seldom possessed. He was brave, so is the Eagle; like it, too, he was the terror of his foes; and his fame, extending from pole to pole, resembles the majestic soarings of the mightiest of the feathered tribe...

This is an original John James Audubon hand-colored lithograph entitled "Golden Eagle", No. 3, Plate 12 from Audubon's "Birds of America, lithographed, printed and colored by JT Bowe...

This is an original 19th century 1st octavo edition John James Audubon hand-colored lithograph entitled "American Bittern, 1. Male 2. Female", No. 73, Plate 365 from Audubon's "Birds of America, lithographed, printed and colored by J. T. Bowen and published in Philadelphia between 1840-1844. It depicts male and female American Bittern birds standing on the ground, each looking in opposite directions. There is high grass in the background. This original 1st octavo edition hand-colored Audubon American Bittern lithograph is in excellent condition, other than a few tiny spots, which appear most likely inclusions related to the paper manufacture. The sheet measures 6.5" high by 10.25" wide. The original text pages, 94-98, from Audubon's 19th century publication are included with the lithograph. John James Audubon (1785-1851) was a naturalist and artist. He was initially unsuccessful financially prior to the publication of his famous work “The Birds of America”, spending time in debtor’s prison, once stabbing a disgruntled investor in self-defense. However, his obsession with birds and art motivated him to persist in his goal of documenting every bird in America via his watercolor paintings and publishing his works for all to enjoy. Audubon's first illustrations were published in a large elephant folio...

This is an original John James Audubon hand-colored royal first octavo edition lithograph entitled "Red-shafted Woodpecker, 1. Male, 2. Female", No. 55, P...