Plate 3: Gold-winged Woodpecker, Black-throated Bunting, Blue Bird
Hand-colored engraving on paper • Alexander Wilson (Scottish-American, 1766-1813); engraved by Alexander Lawson
Style & Movement
Naturalism / Scientific Illustration
Medium & Technique
Engraving with hand-applied watercolor washes. The technique involves incising metal plates to produce fine lines, followed by manual coloring to achieve naturalistic tones.
Creation Period
Circa 1808-1814 (original publication date)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 14 x 11 inches (standard quarto size), vertical portrait orientation
Subject Description
A scientific ornithological composition featuring three North American bird species: the Northern Flicker (then called Gold-winged Woodpecker), the Dickcissel (Black-throated Bunting), and the Eastern Bluebird. The birds are depicted in profile perched on rustic branches, a standard trope of early 19th-century natural history documentation.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; shows age-appropriate toning and minor foxing. The paper appears slightly darkened by UV exposure.
Estimated Market Value
$250 - $450 USD
Auction Estimate
$200 - $400 USD
Provenance History
Private collection for 40 years; likely acquired from an antique print dealer or as part of a broken volumes of Wilson's 'American Ornithology'.
Art Historical Significance
Significant as a representative piece from the first major work of American ornithology. Alexander Wilson is considered the 'Father of American Ornithology,' preceding John James Audubon. His work established the foundational scientific catalog of North American birds.
Notable Features
Includes original copperplate engraved calligraphy along the bottom margin identifying the Latin and common names of the species, as well as the artist's attribution 'Drawn from Nature by A. Wilson'.
Condition Issues
Visible foxing (brown spots) in the margin areas and general yellowing (toning) of the paper substrate. Potential minor fading of the blue and yellow pigments due to light exposure.
Conservation Recommendations
Recommend reframing using acid-free archival matting and UV-protective museum glass. Keep away from direct sunlight and high-humidity areas to prevent further foxing.
Collector Notes
One this piece 40 yrs.