Alexander Wilson, author of the American Ornithology, native of Paisley, Scotland died 1813 aged 45 / drawn & engraved by J.J. Barralet.
Summary
Print shows Alexander Wilson, head-and-shoulders portrait, right profile, holding the barrel of a rifle and papers in his right hand; in oval.
Publication date based on copyright statement on item.
"Entered according to Act of Congress the [blank space] Nov'r. 1814 by J.J. Barralet of the State of Pennsylvania."
Partial copyright statement appears on verso.
Inscribed in ink on verso : Title page of [...] Alexander Wils[on] Deposited 9. [...] by J.J. Barra[let} as author.
Sheet trimmed with loss to the copyright statement on verso.
Library has two impressions, a copyright deposit and a possible proof sheet.
Copyright deposit; J.J. Barralet.
Forms part of: Popular graphic art print filing series (Library of Congress).
In the 1700's and 1800's naturalists used their scientific knowledge to draw birds with great detail. The most famous bird paintings were by the naturalist artists John Gould (1804-1881) and John J. Audubon (1785–1851).