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NEW YORK — A rare first edition of John James Audubon’s sumptuously illustrated “The Birds of America,” depicting more than 400 life-size North American species in four monumental volumes, is going on the auction block for an estimated $7 million to $10 million.
Considered a masterpiece of ornithology art, the 3 1/2-foot-tall books feature hand-colored prints of all the species known to Audubon in early-19th-century America. Audubon insisted on the book’s large format — printed on the largest handmade sheets available at the time — because of his desire to portray the birds in their actual size and natural habitat.
The set, being sold by the heirs of the 4th Duke of Portland, will be auctioned by Christie’s on Jan. 20. The Associated Press
