Pied duck
1827-1838
Audubon captured these two 'Pied Ducks' (now known as Labrador Ducks) mid-call on a rocky shore, looking for all the world like they're in the middle of a heated argument or a duet. The male sports a striking black-and-white tuxedo look with wings spread, while the female is mottled in soft browns. Sadly, this species went extinct in the late 19th century, making this plate from his massive 'Birds of America' project a hauntingly beautiful record of a lost bird. The fine print at the bottom reveals it was engraved and hand-colored by Robert Havell around 1834, showcasing the incredible craftsmanship of 19th-century natural history illustration.
- Technique
- Hand-colored engraving
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