Goshawk, Stanley Hawk (No. 29)

Art Historical Context

John James Audubon's *Goshawk, Stanley Hawk (No. 29)*, created in 1830, is a stunning example from his monumental *The Birds of America* series—one of the most ambitious natural history projects in art history. Published between 1827 and 1838 in London, this double-elephant folio edition featured life-size depictions of over 400 North American bird species, printed on massive sheets measuring up to 39 inches tall. Audubon, a self-taught artist and ornithologist who immigrated from France to America, revolutionized bird illustration by posing specimens dramatically in their natural habitats, blending scientific accuracy with artistic flair. This hand-colored print captures the fierce elegance of the Northern Goshawk (often called Stanley Hawk), showcasing Audubon's mastery of lithography and aquatint techniques. Collaborating with engravers like Robert Havell Jr., he achieved vivid feathers, piercing eyes, and dynamic motion on a grand 38¼ x 24¼-inch scale—making the bird appear ready to strike. Far beyond mere documentation, these works elevated printmaking to fine art, influencing conservation and wildlife art. Housed in the Robert Lehman Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art since 1975, this piece invites visitors to marvel at Audubon's passion for America's wilderness, bridging 19th-century exploration with enduring environmental awareness.

About the Artist

John James Audubon · 1785–1851

American Naturalist, painter, and draughtsman of French–Creole descent. Brought up in a French village near Nantes, moved to and worked in the the United States.