A History of John James Audubon

Summary

John James Audubon, born in 1785 in Haiti, was raised by his father's wife after his biological mother's death. He had a passion for drawing birds, which led to his legacy as a renowned artist and naturalist. He moved to the U.S. in 1803, marrying Lucy Backwell in 1808, and faced financial hardships, losing children and spending time in jail. Audubon's most famous work, 'Birds of America,' was published between 1827 and 1838. However, his life is also marked by controversial views on race and slavery, along with accusations of plagiarism and academic fraud.

Takeaways

• 🦜 John James Audubon was born in April 1785 in what is now Haiti, on his father's plantation.
• 👶 Audubon's biological mother, Jeanne Rabin, died after his birth, and he was raised by his father's wife, Anne Moynet Audubon.
• 🖊️ Audubon did not enjoy school but had a passion for drawing birds from a young age.
• 🇺🇸 He moved to the United States in 1803, managed his father’s plantation in Pennsylvania, and married Lucy Backwell in 1808.
• 🏬 In 1807, he opened a store in Louisville and later moved the business to Henderson, Kentucky, in 1810.
• 🎨 By 1810, Audubon had drawn over 200 birds, and his sons, Victor and John, became artists as well.
• 😔 After suffering financial troubles and the loss of his daughter Lucy, Audubon moved several times, residing in Kentucky, Ohio, and Louisiana.
• 📚 Audubon is best known for his major work, *Birds of America*, published between 1827 and 1838.
• 🪦 Audubon passed away on January 27, 1851, and his works can be viewed at the John James Audubon Memorial Museum in Kentucky.
• ⚖️ Audubon's legacy is controversial due to his views on race, support for slavery, and involvement in academic fraud and unethical practices.

Q & A

Where was John James Audubon born, and what were the circumstances of his birth?

John James Audubon was born in April 1785 in what is now Haiti on his father's plantation. His biological mother, Gina Rebin, was his father's mistress, and she died shortly after his birth. He was raised by his father's wife, Anne Moynet Audubon.

What was John James Audubon’s early relationship with school and art?

Audubon did not enjoy school, preferring to spend his time drawing birds instead. This passion for art and nature persisted throughout his life.

How did Audubon come to the United States, and what was his initial occupation?

John James Audubon came to the United States in 1803, where he managed his father's plantation in Norristown, Pennsylvania.

When and whom did Audubon marry, and where did they settle?

Audubon married Lucy Bakewell on April 5, 1808. They initially settled in Norristown, Pennsylvania, and later moved to Louisville, Kentucky, in 1807.

What is John James Audubon most famous for, and when was this work published?

John James Audubon is most famous for his work 'Birds of America,' a four-volume book published between 1827 and 1838, which depicted 435 life-sized prints of North American birds.

What hardships did Audubon face in his personal and professional life?

Audubon faced many hardships, including the loss of two daughters, Lucy and Rosa, financial difficulties that led to debt and time in jail, and the dissolution of his business partnerships.

What controversial aspects of Audubon’s life are mentioned in the script?

Audubon held controversial views, opposing emancipation and believing in white supremacy. He also owned slaves, dug up human remains, plagiarized, and committed academic fraud.

What contributions did Audubon’s sons make to his legacy?

Audubon's sons, Victor and John, followed in their father’s footsteps and became artists themselves, contributing to the continuation of his artistic legacy.

Where did Audubon spend his final years, and where is he buried?

John James Audubon spent his final years on Minnie’s Land along the Hudson River, where he passed away on January 27, 1851. He was buried there.

Where can people view Audubon's works and artifacts today?

Many of Audubon's paintings and artifacts are available for public viewing at the John James Audubon Memorial Museum in Audubon State Park, located in Henderson, Kentucky.