John James Audubon

John James Audubon was a largely self-taught arist-naturalist whose intent was clearly scientific. His passionate involvement lifted his visual interpretation beyond mere literal transcription. Sharing the reverence for nature of his contemporaries, the Hudson River School painters, Audubon broke away from the tradition of isolating birds in stiff profile. In his stunning watercolor studies, he concerned himself with the distinguishing characteristics of shape, plumage, and habit.