Audubon, Mississippi Kite, Plate 117

AUDUBON, John James (1785 - 1851).
Mississippi Kite, Plate 117.
Aquatint engraving with original hand color.
London: Robert Havell, 1827-1838.
25 3/4" x 38" sheet.

Comparable: Arader Galleries, 2019 - $7,500; Guernsey's, 2013 - $6,710.

"READER, look attentively at the plate before you, and say if such a scene as that which I have attempted to portray, is not calculated to excite the compassion of any one who is an admirer of woodland melody, or who sympathizes with the courageous spirit which the male bird shews, as he defends his nest, and exerts all his powers to extricate his beloved mate from the coils of the vile snake which has already nearly deprived her of life. Another male of the same species, answering the call of despair from his "fellow creature," comes swiftly downwards to rescue the sufferers. With open bill he is already prepared to strike a vengeful blow at the reptile, his bright eye glancing hatred at his foe. See a third grappling with the snake, and with all its might tearing the skin from its body! Should this alliance of noble spirits prove victorious, will it not remind you that innocence, although beset with difficulties, may, with the aid of friendship, extricate herself with honour?" (Audubon's Ornithological Biography, 1831).