Arctic Tern, Plate 250 (1835)

Highlights

• 250 Arctic Tern restored by John James Audubon from Birds of America — a faithful museum-quality reproduction of a celebrated ornithological study.
• CHOOSE YOUR SIZE & FORMAT: Pick your dimensions and shape right from this listing — vertical, horizontal, panoramic and square options available.
• MUSEUM-QUALITY GICLEE: Fade-resistant archival inks on premium artist-grade canvas, hand-stretched and gallery-wrapped over a solid 1.5" wood frame, hardware attached and ready to hang.
• A REFINED FOCAL POINT for the living room, bedroom, study, home office or entryway — timeless style with lasting appeal.
• HANDCRAFTED IN THE USA: Made to order in multiple sizes and shapes — a thoughtful, gallery-worthy gift.

Description

A graceful Arctic Tern (Sterna arctica) is depicted in dramatic mid-dive, wings spread wide against a stormy blue-gray sky above a choppy sea, rendered with Audubon's signature naturalistic precision and luminous watercolor technique. This plate (No. 250) originally appeared in Audubon's monumental 'The Birds of America' (1827–1838), widely regarded as one of the most important ornithological works ever produced, featuring life-sized illustrations engraved by Robert Havell Jr. The Arctic Tern is renowned for undertaking the longest annual migration of any animal, traveling from Arctic breeding grounds to the Antarctic and back each year, a fitting subject for Audubon's sweeping, dynamic composition.