Purple Finch (Plate IV)
1827
About this artwork
This is Plate IV from John James Audubon's monumental "The Birds of America" and depicts three specimens of the Purple Finch (Haemorhous purpureus) perched on a branch of a coniferous tree. It illustrates the male in two different plumages and the female, characteristic of Audubon's detailed ornithological studies.
Did you know?
John James Audubon's "The Birds of America" is celebrated as one of the most ambitious and comprehensive ornithological works ever produced. To create these life-sized illustrations, Audubon famously hunted the birds himself, posed them with wires, and then painted them, often in dynamic, natural settings. His dedication to both scientific accuracy and artistic beauty revolutionized natural history illustration, making his work a timeless treasure in both scientific and art historical contexts.
On your wall. Unlock the 4K download and keep this piece in your Vault — forever.
Know the artwork. Knowing its title and artist turns a beautiful image into a story worth sharing — with a museum label:
Purple Finch (Plate IV)
John James Audubon, 1827
