John James Audubon (The Gallery of Illustrious Americans) 1850

Editor: This is a portrait of John James Audubon, from "The Gallery of Illustrious Americans", engraved by Francis d' Avignon around 1850. It has an austere but very refined quality, almost luminous in the face, set against this rather indistinct landscape background. How do you interpret this work formally? Curator: The work's power rests in the contrast between the sharp, meticulous engraving of Audubon's face and the softer, more atmospheric background. Observe how d' Avignon uses line weight and density to define form and texture in the face—the precise rendering of the wrinkles, the controlled curls of the hair. Note, however, how those strong diagonals converge to lead our eye towards the landscape elements behind the figure. Editor: The focus is definitely on the face! Curator: Precisely. The composition uses an oval format to tightly frame Audubon, further intensifying our concentration. Also, the limited tonal range adds a classic, almost neoclassical feel to the piece, don’t you agree? Editor: It does evoke a sense of restrained grandeur. Is that typical of portraiture of the time? Curator: It's a common, yet effective strategy of elevating the sitter using form. The artist, by carefully modulating light and shadow, sculpts Audubon's features to suggest intellect and strength. This is achieved almost entirely through the modulation of greyscale and without relying on strong contrasting colour. Editor: That’s a great way to put it, elevates the sitter! It’s interesting to think about how even in a monochromatic image, the use of light can sculpt the figure, as you say. Curator: Exactly, and it allows us to consider how the work signifies authority purely through its aesthetic construction. We learn a lot by appreciating such a finely crafted and visually appealing print.