Gaviota enana
1827-1838
John James Audubon was obsessed with capturing birds in action, refusing to paint them as stiff, dead specimens like his predecessors. Here, he depicts the Lesser Tern in two dramatic poses: one soaring effortlessly against a stormy sky, and another diving headfirst with wings swept back. This print comes from his legendary book 'The Birds of America,' famous for its massive 'Double Elephant Folio' size—nearly three feet tall! To achieve such lifelike dynamism, Audubon often shot birds with fine shot and used wires to pose them before drawing.
- Technique
- Hand-colored engraving and aquatint
- Material
- Paper
- Dimensions
- Approx. 39 x 26 inches (99 x 66 cm)
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