Original Audubon Havell Plate 266 - Common Cormorant
JOHN JAMES AUDUBON
The Common Cormorant — Plate 266
From The Birds of America
Published by John James Audubon and engraved by Robert Havell Jr., 1827–1838
Hand-colored aquatint engraving on double-elephant folio paper, manufactured by the James Whatman Paper Company of Kent, England.
Printed and colored by the Havell workshop, London, and measuring approximately 39½ x 26½ in. (100 x 67 cm), the full double-elephant sheet.
(The term “double-elephant” refers to the largest-size paper available in Audubon’s day.)
Description
A superb original Havell plate depicting The Common Cormorant, one of the most striking compositions in The Birds of America. The scene is notable for its rare depiction of a family group, showing the male, female, and chicks together upon a rocky coastal cliff—a compositional approach that exemplifies Audubon’s commitment to portraying birds within their natural ecological relationships.
The color is entirely original, with no retouching or later enhancement.
The sheet offered here represents absolutely the finest plate 266 available today.
This exceptional Havell is currently protected by conservation framing.
Provenance
- Acquired from the original subscriber – The Buffalo Natural Science Society
- Purchased through Christie's, 1987, Lot 266
- Private collection since acquisition
This documented chain of ownership adds an important layer of institutional provenance.
Asking Price
$27,000
A pristine and visually powerful example of one of the most compelling coastal seabird plates from Audubon’s monumental masterpiece.
Note: This Havell can be picked up in New Hampshire to avoid shipping charges.
Buyer is responsible for the actual shipping cost.
Questions or offers? Please use the form belwo. Thank you.
JOHN JAMES AUDUBON
The Common Cormorant — Plate 266
From The Birds of America
Published by John James Audubon and engraved by Robert Havell Jr., 1827–1838
Hand-colored aquatint engraving on double-elephant folio paper, manufactured by the James Whatman Paper Company of Kent, England.
Printed and colored by the Havell workshop, London, and measuring approximately 39½ x 26½ in. (100 x 67 cm), the full double-elephant sheet.
(The term “double-elephant” refers to the largest-size paper available in Audubon’s day.)
Description
A superb original Havell plate depicting The Common Cormorant, one of the most striking compositions in The Birds of America. The scene is notable for its rare depiction of a family group, showing the male, female, and chicks together upon a rocky coastal cliff—a compositional approach that exemplifies Audubon’s commitment to portraying birds within their natural ecological relationships.
The color is entirely original, with no retouching or later enhancement.
The sheet offered here represents absolutely the finest plate 266 available today.
This exceptional Havell is currently protected by conservation framing.
Provenance
- Acquired from the original subscriber – The Buffalo Natural Science Society
- Purchased through Christie's, 1987, Lot 266
- Private collection since acquisition
This documented chain of ownership adds an important layer of institutional provenance.
Asking Price
$27,000
A pristine and visually powerful example of one of the most compelling coastal seabird plates from Audubon’s monumental masterpiece.
Note: This Havell can be picked up in New Hampshire to avoid shipping charges.
Buyer is responsible for the actual shipping cost.
Questions or offers? Please use the form belwo. Thank you.