Hand-colored aquatint and engraving, Havell edition, sheet with J. Whatman watermark, Plate XIX from Birds of America, London, 1827-1838, matted and framed.

Platemark 19 1/2 x 12 3/8 in., Sheet Size 28 1/8 x 22 in., DOA 40 7/8 x 28 in.

The Lifelong Collection of Keith and Caroline Gray, Charlotte, NC. Keith and Caroline Gray were passionate about antiques, art, and history. Together they attended antique shows and auctions for decades – assembling a collection particularly strong on American coin silver, Asian art, historical documents, early images, and English ceramics. Both were longtime supporters of the Mint Museum in Charlotte, with Caroline serving in multiple capacities from docent to a member of the acquisitions board and trustee. Caroline translated her love of material culture into a successful career, becoming a certified property appraiser in Charlotte.

Some wear to sheet, including staining, several tears at edges and wormholes, color fading; more texture to sheet within platemark likely due to moisture.