American Fox Illustration Appraisal

John James Audubon, The Viviparous Quadrupeds of North America, Plate CXVI: Black American Fox

This item is a hand-colored lithograph from the mid-19th century, specifically Plate CXVI titled 'VULPES FULVUS, DESM. VAR. ARGENTATUS, SHAW. AMERICAN MARSH OR SILVER FOX' from John James Audubon’s 'The Viviparous Quadrupeds of North America.' The artwork depicts a black silver fox in a recumbent position amidst a rugged, hilly landscape featuring broken tree trunks and sparse vegetation. The printing process involves a combination of stone lithography and detailed hand-coloring, showing fine gradations of gray and black in the fox's fur, accented by a distinctive white-tipped tail. The upper right corner is marked 'PLATE CXVI.' The item is housed in a modern black frame behind glass. Noteworthy is the scientific nomenclature printed at the bottom center. Regarding condition, there appears to be slight yellowing of the paper consistent with age, though the colors remain largely vibrant. A significant reflection from the glass obscures parts of the central fox figure in the photograph. The craftsmanship reflects the high standards of the Bowen firm (J.T. Bowen, Philadelphia), known for producing the imperial folio and octavo editions of Audubon's mammals. This piece exhibits the signature naturalist style of the 1840s, emphasizing scientific accuracy combined with dramatic, artistic composition.