Spotlight: John James Audubon & the Birds of America

John James Audubon and The Birds of America

with Martha Chiarchiaro

Discover Audubon’s extensive studies documenting American birds and his detailed illustrations that depict the birds in their natural habitats. The Birds of America, a collection of 435 life-size prints, is considered one of the finest ornithological works ever completed. Audubon also conducted the first known bird-banding experiment in North America, where he learned that the birds returned to the very same nesting sites each year. Like his peers, he was an avid hunter, and he also had a deep appreciation and concern for conservation; in his later writings he warned against the destruction of birds and habitats. For half a century, Audubon was early America’s dominant wildlife artist.

This Spotlight will be held via Zoom.

Martha Chiarchiaro has brought history to life through the art of the times for more than 30 years. She received her Masters’ degree in the History of Art from Williams College and provides a variety of art history presentations at the Worcester Art Museum, for WISE (the Worcester Institute for Senior Education), libraries, garden clubs, and other organizations. As noted on her Seeing History website, Martha's specialty presentations related to specific periods, artists, and activities provide an in-depth look at the life and times of people through their art.