Art and Ornithology
Collection Spotlight: Art and Ornithology
Featured Artist(s): John James Audubon (1785-1851), John (1804-1881) & Elizabeth (1804-1841) Gould, Prideaux John Selby (1788-1867), and others.
Time Period: 18th–19th Century
Medium: Engraving, aquatint, lithography, and hand-colored prints
Overview
Investigate how 19th-century artists and naturalists shaped knowledge of the natural world through the art and subscription of printmaking. This collection explores the intersection of science, art, and publishing, revealing how natural history prints reflected both the beauty of nature and the cultural, political, and technological forces of their time.
Featured Works from the Martin Museum’s Collection
- Plates from The Birds of America by John James Audubon
- Illustrations by John & Elizabeth Gould
- British bird studies by Prideaux John Selby
- Examples of 19th-century printmaking techniques, including engraving, aquatint, and lithography
Target Audiences
- Biology and environmental science classes
- History, art history, and literature courses
- Educators exploring visual literacy, scientific illustration, and 19th-century cultural history
Key Themes
- Scientific discovery versus artistic expression
- The role of printmaking in the global exchange of knowledge
- Colonialism, conservation, and the ethics of natural history collection
- The collaborative process behind natural history publications
Booking Details
- Duration: 45–60 minutes
- Audience: Available for middle and high school, university-level, and special interest groups
- Includes: Guided discussion and close viewing of selected works
- How to Book: Select this Collection Spotlight when submitting your group tour request
Spotlight Brief Educator Packet: Pre-Visit Background Reading Educator Packet: Pre-Visit Materials Educator Packet: Post-Visit Materials Student Quiz Collection Images