FEATURES ARCHIVE

“Birds don't reciprocate your interest...They can certainly live without me but I don't think I could live without birds.” - Roger Tory Peterson

With his seminal 1934 book A Field Guide to the Birds of North America, Roger Tory Peterson started a revolution for the environmental movement, the effects of which reverberate today. His best-selling guides transformed the scientific teachings of ornithologists into a language accessible to everyday bird-watchers, and adopted a unique style that was both artistic and scientifically accurate. A rare opportunity to acquire original oils and watercolors by this celebrated naturalist, artist and educator will be offered in the September sale of Fine American Paintings, Drawings and Sculpture.

Peterson’s love affair with birds began at age 11, as he discovered the beauty and vitality in these winged creatures. He saw birds as representing the most vivid reflection of life and one that heightened his awareness of the world around him.

Following studies at the Art Student League and the National Academy of Design, Peterson published A Field Guide to the Birds of North America in 1934, selling out all 2,000 copies of its first printing in one week. The 53 Field Guide Series volumes have gone on to sell over ten million copies. With his knack for scientific accuracy when depicting his subjects within their natural environment, Peterson received every major American award for natural science, ornithology and conservation, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He also laid the foundation for the widespread development of birding associations and wildlife refuges.

After Peterson’s death in 1996 and that of his wife and collaborator, Virginia Marie Peterson, in 2001, a portion of the contents of Peterson’s studio in Old Lyme, Connecticut were donated to the Sea Research Foundation which operates the nearby Mystic Aquarium. The 20 original paintings and works on paper in this sale were retained by the Peterson estate and are now being offered by the artist’s studio for the first time.