Facsimile Prints Appraisal

Four Lithographs by John James Audubon Print Set (Apparent Facsimile)

This item appears to be a set of 'Four Lithographs by John James Audubon,' presented in what looks like a printed folder or sleeve. The visible part of the folder is made of a light brown or tan paper, likely cardstock, with printed text in black. The text on the cover details its contents as four lithographic reproductions of works from John James Audubon's collection of 435 plates, originally published between 1827-1838. It also provides a brief biography of Audubon, highlighting him as a talented artist, naturalist, and explorer. One of the lithographs is partially visible, depicting two Northern Cardinals. One bird, likely a female or juvenile due to its duller reddish-brown plumage, is perched on a branch on the left, while a brighter red male cardinal is visible on the right, also amidst foliage. The artwork showcases Audubon's characteristic detailed rendering of birds within their natural habitat. The print has a clean, light cream or off-white background with a thin black border framing the illustration. The overall condition of the folder shows some signs of age or handling, with visible creases, subtle discoloration, and what appears to be a slight fold or tear along the top edge near the binding or fold line. The print itself seems to be in good condition, with vibrant colors and clear detail, suggesting it has been protected within the folder. Given the descriptive text and the visible print quality, these are likely modern reproductions or facsimiles of Audubon's original lithographs, intended for decorative or educational purposes. The 'Four Lithographs' title suggests a specific collection rather than individual prints. In terms of quality indicators and craftsmanship, these reproductions likely stem from a commercial printing process, aiming for fidelity to the original works. The paper quality of the folder and prints would be key indicators of the reproduction quality. The packaging suggests it was perhaps sold as a gift item or a curated collection of prints.