John James Audubon (1785-1851) 
Plate CXXVI White-headed Eagle 
from Birds of America 
Engraved by Robert Havell (1793-1878) 
Published: London, 1827-1838 
Aquatint engraving with original hand coloring 
Paper size: 39 x 25 7/8 in. 

“The figure of this noble bird is well known throughout the civilized world, emblazoned as it is on our national standard, which waves in the breeze of every clime, bearing to distant lands the remembrance of a great people living in a state of peaceful freedom. May that peaceful freedom last for ever!

The great strength, daring, and cool courage of the White-headed Eagle, joined to his unequalled power of flight, render him highly conspicuous among his brethren. To these qualities did he add a generous disposition towards others, he might be looked up to as a model of nobility. The ferocious, overbearing, and tyrannical temper which is ever and anon displaying itself in his actions, is, nevertheless, best adapted to his state, and was wisely given him by the Creator to enable him to perform the office assigned to him.” (Audubon’s Ornithological Biography, 1831).