Titian Ramsay Peale (1799–1885) 

Wild Turkey—Male and Female (Meleagris gallopavo) 

Engraved by Alexander Lawson (1773–1846) 

From Charles Lucian Bonaparte's supplement to Alexander Wilson's American Ornithology 

Philadelphia, 1825. 

Engraving with hand-coloring. 

Paper size: 14 3/4 x 11 1/2 in. 

This finely detailed ornithological print depicts a male and female wild turkey in a naturalistic landscape, combining scientific observation with the artistic refinement characteristic of early American natural history illustration. The male occupies the foreground, his imposing stature, elongated neck, iridescent dark plumage, intricately patterned wings, and reddish legs rendered with remarkable precision. Behind him, the female is shown in more subdued brown and gray tones.

The composition is by Titian Ramsay Peale, the distinguished American naturalist, artist, and scientific illustrator. A member of the celebrated Peale family of artists and naturalists, Titian Ramsay Peale devoted much of his career to the study and documentation of American wildlife. His careful observation of avian anatomy and plumage contributed significantly to the development of American ornithological illustration during the early nineteenth century.

The engraving was executed by Alexander Lawson, a Scottish-born engraver who became one of the leading practitioners of his craft in the United States. Lawson was particularly accomplished in the engraving of natural history subjects, translating the subtle variations of plumage, texture, and light into finely controlled lines and tonal gradations.

The print exemplifies the collaboration between naturalist and engraver that helped establish a distinctive American tradition of scientific illustration. Its combination of detailed zoological observation, carefully balanced composition, and sophisticated engraving makes it an appealing example of early American ornithological art.