In the 1830s, as renowned naturalist and artist John James Audubon (1785-1851) was completing the final plates for his monumental Birds of America series, he and his sons began to gather material for his second and equally ambitious undertaking. Audubon set out to document the animals of North America, and to present them in a format as impressive as he had used for his birds. The result of his years of field research, travel, and seemingly endless study was the Viviparous Quadrupeds of North America, the 19th century’s seminal work on American animals. The Viviparous Quadrupeds of North America. With the help of his son, James the entire set of 150 images in three years able to produce a set of stunning lithographs engraved by Philadelphia printmaker J.T. Bowen. Finished with hand color, the fine detail and character of each animal come alive in every print. The Viviparous Quadrupeds of North America was completed just three years before Audubon's death. This image of Enhydra Marina, Ernleben (Sea Otter) was drawn from nature by J.W. Audubon (John Woodhouse Audubon, James' son and was printed and hand-colored by T. Bowen of Philadelphia in 1848. is in beautifully framed and in excellent condition. The image measures 19.5"h x 28.25"w; and the framed size is 31.75"h x 38.75"w. Provenance, W. Graham Arader Gallery, King of Prussia, PA.