A copy of John James Audubon's Birds of America was sold at an auction in London for £7.3 million ($11.5 million), and thus became the most expensive book ever sold. The auction was a rare chance to own one of the best-preserved editions of the 19th- century masterpiece, with its 435 hand-colored illustrations. The winning bid was placed by London-based art dealer Michael Tollemache, who outbid three others during the auction. Don't miss the video of the book at the bottom! |
Only 120 complete sets of Audubon's 435 hand-colored, life-sized engravings of America's birds are believed to exist today, with the majority (107) owned by institutions. The last full edition of The Birds of America, which went up for auction in 2010, sold for £7.3m at Sotheby's, breaking the world record for a single book. |
"Birds of America is most significant for its sheer beauty. It's a masterpiece of illustration," the words of Richard Davies, a rare and used books specialist. "Aside from being famous in the rare book world, Birds of America also has immense historical and ornithological importance. Some of the birds John James Audubon painted are extinct, and he also discovered new species." |
Measuring over three feet in height and running to four volumes, The Birds of America was created by Audubon between 1827 and 1838. The illegitimate son of a French sea captain and his creole mistress, Audubon was an itinerant artist who traveled America's wilderness drawing the birds he loved. He was insistent that The Birds of America was made up of life-size illustrations and that it showed all the known species of north America, making the finished volume |
Each of the printed books were colored by hand, and it was an extremely laborious process. Even by today's standards, the vividness of its illustrations of birds is extraordinary but when it was being released in the 1830s it was mindboggling. Audubon employed a rather shocking technique to produce the book. He hunted the birds down and shot them before propping them up on wires to paint. Each drawing would take about 60 hours to complete. Ironically, many of his beautifully rendered subjects are now extinct, such as the Carolina Parakeet, Passenger Pigeon, Labrador Duck, Great Auk, Esquimaux Curlew, and Pinnated Grouse. |
Picking up a copy of the "book" is a two-person job, said the dealer, who examined an edition at Sotheby's once prior to the auction. "The (very nervous) resident expert and I (gingerly) turned the pages together, him at the top and me at the bottom, and peeled them back (respectfully) into just the right conjunction with the rest of the plates," said Gekoski. "You have to be careful how you handle a gargantuan book worth more than 10 million dollars." |
17 Incredible Paintings That Sold For Hundreds of Millions
While many artists were unappreciated in their time, today their works are sold for millions like these highest valued paintings ever sold.
A Satisfying Dose of Domino Blocks Compilation
This domino blocks artist compiled a full year's work into a neatly packed compilation video, and we can't stop replaying it!
Is This Really How These Famous People Talked?
Mimicking an accent can be difficult. Watch this expert analyze 17 actors who played real-life characters. Did they nail it or not?
Why Do Rolls-Royce Cars Cost an Arm and a Leg?
From a paint job infused with diamonds to custom starlight headlines & other bespoke features - this is what makes every Rolls-Royce a luxurious art piece.
Could William Shakespeare Be...A Liar?
For a long time, rumors have been circulating, that Shakespeare wasn't actually the one who wrote all those famous plays...
André Rieu Plays a Terrifically Fun Funiculi Funicula!
A magnificent performance by the incredible violinist André Rieu.
It's Amazing What an Artist Can Do With a Humble Bookend
Monde is an artist like no other - he turned his attention to bookends, drawing inspiration from the city of Tokyo. Take a look at his unique and amazing work.
When Two Masters Play Together, the Magic Is Already There
The music created by these 2 musicians is incredibly soothing and peaceful.
A Side Of the Louvre You Never Thought to Look For
The Louvre is the treasure of Paris, and filled with hundreds of thousands of smaller, but equally incredible treasures to fill you with awe
Artist Proves You're Never Too Old to Follow Your Dreams
Take a look at this incredible art collection of classic cars by Shanon Fannin.
Listen to Andrea Bocelli in an Epic Duet with a Cello
We encourage you to take a few minutes out of your busy day to enjoy this performance of Anre Bocelli
The Story of the Woman Behind Vincent van Gogh
Little is said about the woman behind Vincent van Gogh, but he was not always alone...
Elton John’s Hits Absolutely Stand the Test of Time
Sometimes music is all you need to make your day better! Enjoy these timeless hits by Elton John.
Prepare Your Tissues: The Animated Story of Kitbull
Pixar's Kitbull is a beautiful short animation video that has won praise around the world.
We Bet You've Never Heard This Musical Instrument Before
Listen to this little known musical instrument called a yaybahar.
Listen to This Incredibly Beautiful Piece by André Rieu
In this beautiful performance, André Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra perform 'Etude nr. 3 in E-dur' from Frédéric Chopin.
From a Simple Drawing Emerges an Artwork of Sublime Beauty
It takes a while for this painting to emerge, but when it does it's amazing. Watch this great video demonstrate how an art piece comes to life.
The Bolshoi Ballet Group Have Done It Again!
If you love ballet, then we have one marvelous treat in store for you!
Quiet Night In? Let These Amazing Movies Rack Your Brains
Have you ever watched a movie that leaves you scratching your head right until the very last scene? That's what these 10 amazing movies do best. Enjoy!
This Woman Changes Clothes Faster Than You Can Blink
An incredible magic show that will make you doubt your eyes! But keep them wide open because you're not gonna want to miss this!
André Rieu In Another Beautiful Operatic Sensation!
In this video, we are treated to an incredible rendition of Caro Nome by an incredibly skilled operatic singer.
Music Box: 20 Beautiful Covers of Beloved Rock Ballads
Presenting a collection of the best ballads, reimagined as unique piano covers that add a new level of emotion and originality.
Amazing! These Women Play the Harp Like No Others!
In our opinion, the harp is one of the best instruments to have ever been created. Don’t agree? Well, watch these four harpists and you’ll change your mind!
If I Didn't See This Artist At Work, I'd Never Believe Him!
Italian Artists Marcello Barenghi can create the most astoundingly realistic-looking hand drawings.
You've Never Seen a Magic Act Like This Before!
This young man stuns an entire audience with his innovative and mind-boggling close-up magic tricks.
A Gorgeous Cover of a Beautiful Classic...
Watch two incredible artists use voice and cello to bring this classic song to life.
This World Circus Acrobatic Performance is a Must-Watch!
This acrobatic performance is unlike anything you will ever watch! Remarkable!
This Girl's Ventriloquism Skills Are Out of This World!
12-year-old Darci Lynne went on this year's America Got Talent and wowed the judges with her ventriloquism act. Take a look here!
I Would Rename This Man The Bubble Whisperer...
If there is a bubble expert in this world, we may have found him.
How Does He Do It? This Magician Is Beyond Incredible!
28-year-old Ben Hart magic tricks will turn even the most stern-faced skeptic into a believer. Tell us if you can figure out how he does these things, because we certainly can’t!
David vs. David: Comparing Two Classic Sculptures
Examining two sculptures by two distinct and famous artists: Donatello and Michelangelo
This Amazing Performance is a Blast from the Past!
This great tribute brings back a beautiful song from the past to send the world a wonderful message, by musicians from around the world.
I've Never Seen Anything Like These Cakes. I'm Dumbfounded.
These cake submissions from an online competition are more amazing than I would have ever imagined.
Will this Acrobat Blow Your Minds as Well?
Watch Kai Ho's dangerous and skilled acrobatic performance.
This Artist Uses an Unusual Tool to Create Magical Images...
Ralvin Dizon uses an unconventional medium to create his art.
Ten Art Pieces You Always Wanted to Know More About
Once in a while, a true master comes along, enriching humanity with their art, like these 10 great masters and their masterpieces.
WATCH: Brightman & Bocelli's Musical Masterpiece
Sarah Brightman and Andrea Bocelli possess two of the most famous voices in the entire world, so you can imagine what happens when they join forces. Watch.
10 Beautiful Poems by Some of the All-Time Greats
If you are a lover of poetry, then these are poems you should definitely read.
It is Amazing What This Artist Can Do With Two Strings
Listen to the beauty of a true Erhu master, creating exquisite music with just two strings...
Michelangelo's David Looks Even More Astonishing Up Close
This is the world's most famous statue, but you never realised how amazingly detailed it is - until now!
All Lovers of Films Should Watch These 7 Epic Biographies
Looking for your next cinematic obsession? You can't go wrong with these 7 epic biographical films.
Watch: This Visual Dance Act Is Out of This World!
The amazing dancing couple, Another Kind of Blue, bring new and exciting techniques to Britain’s Got Talent.
Artist Merges Animals With Their Own Habitats - 15 Pics
Artist Sujay Sanan creates wonderful watercolor paintings of animals merged with their own surroundings.
Could You Believe This Art Was Made Out of a Bar of Soap?
Barresi discovered all that he could do with a simple bar of soap.
These Gorgeous, Classic Paintings Will Leave You in Awe
J.M.W. Turner is perhaps one of the most well-known British artists ever. When you feast your eyes on 10 of his most famous paintings, you'll understand why.
These Videos Reveal What Cities Looked Like 100 Years Ago!
Watching old movies is like time travel. A selection of these 15 films will let you travel to several cities of the past, such as New York and Paris.