Museum Collections
Luce Center
Studies of Two Bats
Object Number:
Z.3329
Date:
1841
Medium:
Watercolor, graphite, black ink, pastel, and gouache with selective glazing on paper
Dimensions:
Overall: 23 1/2 x 17 7/8 in. ( 59.7 x 45.4 cm )
Inscriptions:
Inscribed at upper right in graphite: “Man alone neglects his fellows! --”; at middle right: "Nocturnal fly catcher? Generally -- / have different features about species[?] / Bats? Thise beauties, thise uses[?] / Thise Manding away The Mamalian / System!?: at lower right: ?Vespertilio priunosus[?] / Hoary Bat -- / procured at Hoboken N. Jersey -- / Dec.r 6 th 1841 at 12 o?clock of the day, when it / was flying in full vigor the Vesp. Carolinenesis. / was also procured alive on the Same day at / Mr. James place, both species native to the/ fissures of the rocky 7 steep hill sides-/ the Noctivagans was procured alive onthe 8th/ by JWA at Minis (sic) Land, 9 miles above/ the City of New York on York(?) Island.
signature and date: l.r.: New York Dec. 9th 1841/ J.J.A.
Description:
Two views of the bat Audubon called the Hoary Bat. At top, a front view with wings fully spread and head and face clearly detailed. At bottom, a view of the bat hanging upside-down with wings fold around the body and ears detailed. Formerly S-31.
Due to ongoing research, information about this object is subject to change.