Rare copy of Audubon’s Birds of America for auction
Published December 12th, 2005
The Providence Athenaeum is selling a rare copy of John James Audubon’s Birds of America.
Athenaeum President Betty Lang says the sale — which could fetch five to seven million dollars — will help the private library solve its financial problems. The library’s endowment is shrinking, and it needs to repair its building.
The portfolio of 435 color engravings is unusually valuable because the Athenaeum bought it directly from Audubon in the mid-1830s. Several members unsuccessfully sued to block its sale.
The auction will be Thursday at Christie’s in New York. Auctioneer Frances Wahlgren says she would like to see another library or museum buy the engravings so the public can still enjoy
them.
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