Description:

John James Audubon
American, 1785-1851
"Black Tern"
hand-colored aquatint with engraving
Plate 280, from  The Birds of America, Havell edition, "J. Whatman 1838" watermark, "Sotheby's 280" tag on sealed sleeve, unframed. 

Sheet: 36 1/8 x 25 5/8 in.
 
Provenance: Acquired from the artist by the third Earl of Caledon, 1842; "John James Audubon, The Birds of America, The Property of the Caledon Family Settlements (sold by order of the Trustees)," Sotheby's, New York, Jan. 28 & 29, 1985, lot 280.

This plate was from one of the folio sets personally brought back by Audubon to America, after his final return in September of 1839. The folio was sold in 1842 to the third Earl of Caledon.

  • Condition: Not removed from sealed sleeve; no signs of past restoration; deckle left edge; scattered light creases throughout; light waffling along edges; light scattered marks; beginning signs of foxing.

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September 12, 2025 10:00 AM CDT
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