Maps & Atlases, Natural History & Plate Books

John James Audubon, one of the most celebrated American natural history artists, devoted his life to identifying and drawing the birds of North America. In the late 19th century, Audubon set out to travel through America’s wilderness, capturing every notable species. Once bankrupt, Audubon’s ambition and artistic talent culminated in the publication of Birds of America in segments between 1827 and 1838. The upcoming Maps & Atlases, Natural History & Plate Books sale, presented by Swann Auction Galleries, highlights Audubon’s work titled Great Blue Heron. The 1834 engraved plate shows a blue heron standing near a stream, stretching its neck toward the water.

The auction also offers over 50 lots of atlases. Standing out among them is Atlas Historique by Henri Chatelain. First published in 1705, Chatelain’s Atlas Historique was part of an immense seven-volume encyclopedia. Groundbreaking for its time, the work included geography, history, people, heraldry, and cosmography. A group of Native American plates by Karl Bodmer is also notable. He accompanied the German explorer Prince Maximilian on his Missouri River expedition and produced 81 aquatints. To view the full catalog and to register to bid online, visit Swann Auction Galleries.