Manks Shearwater, c. 1836 by John James Audubon

Manks Shearwater, by John James Audubon depicts the male seabird skimming low over open ocean swells, its dark upperparts and pale underbelly rendered with Audubon's characteristic anatomical precision, webbed feet trailing in wake as distant rocky headlands frame the scene. Audubon (American, 1785-1851) is renowned as the foremost bird artist of the 19th century, whose double-elephant folio The Birds of America remains the definitive achievement in ornithological illustration.

Artist: John James Audubon (American, 1785-1851). Date: 1836.

Manks Shearwater, by John James Audubon. Ornithological Wall Art Canvas Print.