Booby Gannet
1827-1838
John James Audubon captured this striking seabird for his legendary book, 'The Birds of America.' The name 'Booby' actually comes from the Spanish word *bobo*, meaning 'fool' or 'stupid,' because these birds were so tame they were easy to catch. Audubon was known for shooting his subjects and wiring them into dramatic, lifelike poses—like this one gripping a branch with its massive yellow webbed feet—to show off their anatomy. In the background, a tiny coastal town provides a sense of scale for this magnificent creature, now scientifically known as the Brown Booby.
- Technique
- Hand-colored engraving
- Material
- Paper
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