Bos Americanus, American Bison or Buffalo, plate 56 – John James Audubon (1845) – Natural History Poster Print

In Plate 56 of The Viviparous Quadrupeds of North America, John James Audubon turns his attention to the American bison, presenting the animal with a sense of monumentality and natural dignity. Titled Bos Americanus, the plate captures the massive form and textured coat of the bison in a carefully observed landscape setting, reflecting Audubon’s commitment to portraying wildlife at life scale whenever possible.

Audubon’s approach blends scientific documentation with dramatic presence. The muscular build, curved horns, and dense fur are rendered with meticulous detail, while the surrounding terrain situates the animal within its native habitat. Rather than isolating the subject against a blank background, Audubon integrates it into a living environment, reinforcing both anatomical study and ecological context.

As part of one of the most ambitious natural history publications of the nineteenth century, this plate stands as a testament to Audubon’s dedication to American wildlife. It remains a powerful and historically significant portrayal of the bison: an enduring symbol of the North American landscape.

 

🖨️ Print features:

– Made with museum-grade archival paper for excellent printing fidelity and vibrant color reproduction

– Paper weight: 189 g/m2

– For indoor use only

– Care instructions: If the print does gather any dust, you may wipe it off gently with a clean, dry cloth.

– Please note: Due to the production process of these posters, please allow for slight size deviations with a tolerance +/- 1/16″

 

🚚 Fulfillment and Shipping:

– Printed and shipped from the U.S.

– Ships in a sturdy mailing tube, frame not included

 

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