American Flamingo 1864

John James Audubon made this print of an American Flamingo using a combination of engraving, etching, and aquatint, finished with hand-applied watercolor. Look closely at the dense networks of tiny lines that create the flamingo's plumage. The etched and engraved lines define the bird’s form, while the aquatint gives a sense of tonal depth. The final layer, watercolor, brings vibrant life to the flamingo's feathers, each carefully applied by hand. The print was made at a time of increasing industrialization, and while the printing techniques employed were fairly traditional, the scale of Audubon’s project was ambitious. This print is just one of a vast series, and required a team of skilled artisans to produce. Considering this, the "American Flamingo" is more than just a picture of a bird. It’s a testament to the skilled labor, craft, and collaborative work that went into its making. It asks us to appreciate the intersection of art, craft, and the changing social landscape of the time.