Plate 107 Canada Jay 

John James Audubon produced this print of the Canada Jay as part of his ambitious project, "Birds of America." Focusing on Audubon's work, we can see the confluence of scientific ambition and artistic representation in early 19th-century America. Audubon sought to document every bird species on the continent, reflecting a growing national interest in natural history and exploration, while also being underpinned by an expansionist colonial ideology. The image creates meaning through its visual codes, presenting the birds with scientific precision but in dynamic poses that suggest a vital connection to their habitat. Note how the inclusion of an active wasp nest is very intentional and part of the story being told here. It also raises questions about the politics of imagery and the public role of art in shaping perceptions of nature. To fully understand this artwork, one might consider field notes, scientific publications, and historical accounts of the period. It's a reminder that art's meaning is always contingent on its social and institutional context.