Antique Bird Print Appraisal

Carolina Parrot (Conuropsis carolinensis) Print by John James Audubon

This item is a historical print titled 'Carolina Parrot' (Conuropsis carolinensis), attributed to John James Audubon. The print features multiple depictions of Carolina Parrots perched on and flying among tree branches. The birds are primarily green with distinctive yellow heads and red-orange markings around their eyes and beaks. Their wings show varying shades of green, yellow, and some dark blue/black on the primary feathers. The background elements, such as branches and sparse foliage, are rendered in muted tones, likely grays and blacks, providing a contrast that highlights the vibrant colors of the parrots. The print appears to be a hand-colored engraving or lithograph, a common technique for natural history illustrations of its era. The paper exhibits a slight off-white or yellowish patina consistent with age. Visible condition issues include some creasing or indentations on the upper right side of the paper and possible subtle discoloration or foxing. The print is not matted or framed in the provided image, revealing its full borders. The craftsmanship is highly detailed, characteristic of Audubon's scientific and artistic endeavors to document American wildlife. The text 'Carolina Parrot' is visible at the bottom center, along with what appears to be scientific nomenclature and possibly publication details or plate numbers, suggesting it is from a larger work such as 'The Birds of America'. The style strongly indicates an early 19th-century origin, aligning with Audubon's active period. The distinct rendering of each feather and the dynamic poses of the birds are indicative of quality and attention to anatomical accuracy.