A 22-cent stamp in the Great Americans Series featuring John J. Audubon was issued on April 23, 1985, in New York City, to celebrate the 200th anniversary year of his birth.
Artist and naturalist John James Audubon (1785-1851) was born in Santo Domingo (Haiti) on April 26, 1785, spent his boyhood in France, and divided much of his adult life between North America and Europe. His interest in drawing birds developed at an early age, but he was not encouraged to pursue it professionally until after the age of forty.
Ultimately, Audubon popularized the beauty and variety of North America's birds through his detailed drawings, studies, and articulate writings. His landmark work, "The Birds of America," offered the world its hitherto most detailed look at America's diverse species of birds.
Audubon did not care much for school or business, yet he attained both contemporary success and lasting respect for his work, which encompassed a unique combination of science, literary skill, and artistic ability. His bird illustrations are admired worldwide for their detail and accuracy.
The 22-cent Audubon stamp design was based upon an oil portrait by John Woodhouse Audubon from the collection of the New York Historical Society.
Christopher Calle of Stamford, Connecticut, designed the stamp. It was printed in the intaglio process and issued in panes of 100. The art director was Jack Williams; typographer was Bradbury Thompson; modeler was V. Jack Ruther; engravers were Thomas Hipschen (vignette) and Gary Slaght (lettering and numerals).
