John James Audubon: The Birds of America

June 4th – August 7th, 2005

This exhibition presents a number of rare prints depicting birds described by famed American naturalist John James Audubon in his book entitled The Birds of America. This selection reproduces information provided by John James Audubon himself and, in characterizing different birds, reflects the conventions of 18th and 19th century scientific taxonomy and nomenclature. Many of the prints feature distinctive abbreviations, a shorthand notation whereby Audubon recognized the naturalist who first named a given species. This traveling exhibit was organized by the Taylor Museum of the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center.