John James Audubon Oil Painting to Lead Bonhams Skinner Americana Auction
A notable oil painting by John James Audubon, entitled 'Trophy of American Game Birds,' will take center stage at Bonhams Skinner's Americana: Crafting a Nation: Art, History, & Legacy auction on January 27 in Massachusetts. Valued between $250,000 and $350,000, this exceptional piece was produced while Audubon was promoting 'The Birds of America' in England. Unlike his renowned engravings, this artwork features game birds artistically arranged on a branch, blending European still-life traditions with American themes. As one of Audubon’s rare oil paintings, it highlights his exploration beyond watercolor and marks a significant phase in his artistic journey.
Key facts
- John James Audubon's oil painting 'Trophy of American Game Birds' is up for auction
- The painting is estimated at $250,000–350,000
- It will headline Bonhams Skinner's Americana sale on January 27
- The sale is titled 'Crafting a Nation: Art, History, & Legacy'
- Audubon painted it while promoting 'The Birds of America' in England
- The work merges European trophy still-life with American subjects
- It is one of his few known oil paintings
- The painting depicts intertwined game birds hanging from a branch
Entities
Artists
- John James Audubon
Institutions
- Bonhams Skinner
Locations
- Boston
- Massachusetts
- United States
- England