Presented in this lot is a Vintage Offset Lithograph of John J. Audubon's "Pileated Woodpecker", New York Graphic Society, Fine Arts Publishers, circa 1950s, Signed "hand tinted by Lucy Hammett". This Audubon Havell restrike is from Havell's Double Elephant Folio edition of the "Birds of America" by John James Audubon. Audubon was was an American self-trained artist, naturalist, and ornithologist. His combined interests in art and ornithology turned into a plan to make a complete pictorial record of all the bird species of North America. He was notable for his extensive studies documenting all types of American birds and for his detailed illustrations, which depicted the birds in their natural habitats. His major work, a color-plate book titled The Birds Of America, is considered one of the finest ornithological works ever completed. Audubon is also known for identifying 25 new species. Lucy Hammett is an acclaimed artist based in Bozeman, Montana. The offset lithograph is in the double elephant folio sizing, the upper left corner has No. 23. The upper right corner has 7648, PLATE, CXL. Directly below the tree truck is "Drawn from Nature by J. J. Audubon, F. R. S., F. L. S. Engraved, Printed, & Coloured by R. Havell. The woodpeckers are numbered 1., 2., 3., 4. from left to right. Centered under the woodpeckers it says, "Pileated Woodpecker PICUS PILEATUS. Linn, Adult Male,1. Adult Female,2. Young Males, 3,4.Racoon Grape. Vitis Aestivalis. The left bottom corner says, "New York Graphic Society, Fine Arts Publishers", bottom right corner says, "Printed in U. S. A."
This offset lithograph is in very nice condition, creasing and age tanning noted on paper. The art-deco gold gilt wood frame is in good overall condition, some gold gilt has scuffed off, professional wall hanging hardware is solidly mounted. No other obvious marring noted. Visible art measures 23.25"W x 35.25"L, frame measures 28.25"W x 40.25"L x 1"D