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.

I have virtually examined this hand-colored lithograph, identified as Plate CXVI from John James Audubon’s 'The Viviparous Quadrupeds of North America.' Based on the 'Imperial Folio' scale and the attribution to the J.T. Bowen firm of Philadelphia (circa 1845–1848), this represents one of the most significant achievements in 19th-century American natural history illustration. The 'Black American Fox' is a desirable subject due to the dramatic tonal contrast of the silver-tipped fur and the artistic quality of the rocky landscape. From this visual inspection, the plate shows high-quality hand-coloring with vibrant blacks and charcoals. I note mild toning and potential foxing along the margins, which is typical for paper of this age. At auction, Imperial Folio mammal prints fluctuate based on the popularity of the animal; while 'charismatic' species like the Jaguar or Grizzly Bear command the highest prices, the Silver Fox remains a strong mid-to-high tier collector favorite. A significant limitation to this appraisal is the presence of glazing, which creates reflections that obscure the paper grain and watermark. To finalize this valuation and confirm authenticity, an in-person examination is required to verify the presence of the 'J. Whatman' watermark, confirm the sheet size (approx. 22 x 28 inches), and ensure the colors are indeed hand-applied watercolor over lithograph rather than a modern reproduction. I would also need to examine the print outside of the frame to check for trimmed margins or destructive acidic backing. This valuation assumes the print is an original folio edition in good condition with full margins.