JOHN JAMES AUDUBON (1785-1851) and JOHN BACHMAN (1790-1874)

Although he is most widely remembered for his monumental Birds of America, an attempt to depict all of America's birds that consumed many years in preparation and publication, Audubon also applied his methodology and artistry to create a record of our native mammals. The Quadrupeds, which was an immense success on publication, presented many frontier mammals never before seen or depicted. This product of Audubon's later years required the assistance of his friend John Bachman and his sons, Victor Gifford and John Woodhouse. John contributed many of the later drawings, while Victor, who drew some backgrounds, principally attended to the business of subscription publishing. Bachman edited the text and saw the last two volumes, published after Audubon's death, through the press. The folio plates, originally issued in parts, were lithographed by J. T. Bowen of Philadelphia. The text compiles Audubon's observations, anecdotes and encounters with the animals in their natural habitat. Of the Grizzly Bear he wrote, "The Indians consider the slaughter of a Grizzly Bear a feat second only to scalping an enemy. Necklaces of the claws of this beast are worn as trophies among them. The audacity of these Bears around Fort Union was remarkable."

Gift of Joseph Y. Jeanes, Jr.