John James Audubon Amsterdam Ed. Ten woodpeckers Print Lithograph Engraving 1972 Germany Birds of America Collection

The Audubon Amsterdam Edition (1971-1972) represents the first full reproduction of each folio from the Original “Birds of America” Havell Edition (1826-1838).  This modern set was also printed in the same double elephant size as the original Havell’s measuring 26 1/2” x 39 ½”. The Amsterdam Edition is one of the most collected series within the realm of modern Audubon reproductions.  Only 250 copies were issued.  Some sets were bound into books while the remaining sets were sold as loose sets.  The absence of binding marks is the only way to determine if the print originated from a loose set. The prints were made using a photolithography process onto specially crafted paper. The paper selected used a 100% unbleached rag.  G. Schut & Zonen, a paper maker established in 1625 provided the paper stock and bears the watermark “G. Schut & Zonen ® Audubon” along the edge of the paper (see below).  The paper was toned slightly yellow and resembles the look and feel of the paper used in the original Havell edition.  Also, surrounding each image is a false plate mark.