Whip-poor-will by John James Audubon, 1827
Whip-poor-will by John James Audubon, 1827
Whip-poor-will, originally illustrated by John James Audubon in 1827, is a mesmerizing piece from his renowned series, Birds of America. This captivating portrayal stands as a testament to Audubon’s gift for bringing to life the intricate details of the avian world, specifically through its depiction of the elusive Whip-poor-will—a bird noted for its haunting calls that echo through the forests of the American wilderness as twilight descends.
The Unique Maps Co. offers this rich depiction as a high-quality fine art print, available for the first time in nearly two centuries. Each bespoke piece is printed on archival matte paper designed to resist fading and wrinkling, ensuring its beauty endures through generations. Alongside the vivid illustration, buyers can delight in our exclusive restoration and personalization services, providing a touch of individuality to your chosen art.
John James Audubon was a pioneering ornithologist and painter, celebrated for his commitment to capturing the essence and diverse splendor of North America’s birds. His ambitious work, Birds of America, comprises 435 life-size prints, a collection esteemed in both natural history and art circles. Audubon's depiction of the Whip-poor-will not only illustrates the bird's physical allure but also captures the spirit of the American landscape it calls home.
The artwork portrays the Whip-poor-will, scientifically known as Caprimulgus vociferus. Audubon intricately captures the subtle tones of its plumage, ranging from dark brownish-grey to light brownish-red, reflective of its nocturnal camouflage. The bird’s placement upon a red oak branch nods to its natural habitat, providing an evocative glimpse into the twilight themes it is associated with. The artist also included depictions of its insect prey, thereby illustrating its ecological narrative within this stunning masterpiece.
Owning this magnificent artwork is akin to possessing a slice of natural history—a perfect addition to any art collection or space that treasures the synergy between art and nature. The Whip-poor-will's nocturnal allure and Audubon’s meticulous artistry make this print a cherished gift idea, well-suited for nature enthusiasts and art lovers alike for occasions such as birthdays, Christmas, Father’s Day, or any celebration honoring the beauty of the natural world.
If you're not sure what size to order, or you're looking for a custom order of some kind – a different size, a different colour, a special frame – then please contact me. I usually respond within a few minutes.
You can see an example of my fine art personalisation service in the fifth image. Zoom in and take a look. My personalised artwork is always very well received. Take a look at more examples of personalisation.
You can also choose to age your art print to make it look older. This is popular amongst my customers who want their artwork to look like an older, antique print. You can see an example of ageing in the sixth product image, or go ahead and check out lots of examples of other aged artwork.
The model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) version of this art print.
I can print and frame this beautiful piece of art at sizes up to 3 metres (10ft). If you are looking for a size or framing option that isn't available online, please get in touch.
This artwork is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. My standard frames come in six colours (black, dark brown, dark grey, antique gold, oak and white), and custom framing is available for an additional charge. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.