Harlequin Duck by John James Audubon, 1827

John James Audubon's "Harlequin Duck" (Plate 297), first published in 1827, is a captivating depiction from the renowned collection "Birds of America." This remarkable illustration captures three figures of the Harlequin Duck: a mature male in full spring plumage, a two-year-old male, and an adult female. Audubon's work is celebrated for its keen observation and detailed representation, which also extends to presenting previously unpublished images of the adult male and female Harlequin Duck.

Now, you can own a high-quality, personalized fine art print of this exquisite artwork. Handcrafted by The Unique Maps Co., these prints are meticulously restored and reproduced on archival matte paper, ensuring they remain vibrant and pristine for decades.

John James Audubon, a highly esteemed American ornithologist, is renowned for his ambitious "Birds of America" project—a monumental series consisting of 435 hand-colored prints, which is held in high regard for both its scientific precision and artistic beauty. Audubon's Harlequin Duck not only enriches the ornithological study but also presents a vivid visual narrative of the species' behavior and habitat, reflecting his deep connection with nature.

The artwork is notable for its dynamic portrayal of the Harlequin Duck, illustrating the bird's elusive and vigilant nature. It vividly depicts their breeding behaviors along the North American east coast, offering a window into the species’ life and environment. This illustration captures the sophisticated and harmonious palette of colors—ranging from the purplish-blue neck to the intricate patterns of the male duck—that characterize Audubon's illustrative prowess.

With its historical significance and captivating details, this print of "Harlequin Duck" makes a perfect gift for any occasion. Whether celebrating a birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, or simply indulging a personal passion for art and nature, this piece stands as a luxurious testament to one's refined taste.

If you're not sure what size to order, or you're looking for a custom order of some kind – a different size, a different colour, a special frame – then please contact me. I usually respond within a few minutes.

You can see an example of my fine art personalisation service in the fifth image. Zoom in and take a look. My personalised artwork is always very well received. Take a look at more examples of personalisation.

You can also choose to age your art print to make it look older. This is popular amongst my customers who want their artwork to look like an older, antique print. You can see an example of ageing in the sixth product image, or go ahead and check out lots of examples of other aged artwork.

The model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) version of this art print.

I can print and frame this beautiful piece of art at sizes up to 3 metres (10ft). If you are looking for a size or framing option that isn't available online, please get in touch.

This artwork is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. My standard frames come in six colours (black, dark brown, dark grey, antique gold, oak and white), and custom framing is available for an additional charge. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map size guide first.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps in 22 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

Read my full delivery and local production guide