After John James Audubon (American, 1785-1851) chromolithograph, Plate # 141 from Birds of America, depicting two male Ferrugeneous Thrushes or Brown Thrashers, defending female birds and a nest full of eggs against a snake. Printed by J. Bien, New York, 1860. Laid on card stock board and housed in a molded silver-gilt frame with mid 20th century label en verso for Haileys Art Shop, Lenoir NC. Sight – 37 1/2" H x 25" W. Framed – 40 1/2" H x 27 7/8" W. Provenence: Private Brentwood, TN collection. Note: Audubon wrote about this scene: "READER, look attentively at the plate before you, and say if such a scene as that which I have attempted to portray, is not calculated to excite the compassion of any one who is an admirer of woodland melody, or who sympathizes with the courageous spirit which the male bird shews, as he defends his nest, and exerts all his powers to extricate his beloved mate from the coils of the vile snake which has already nearly deprived her of life. Another male of the same species, answering the call of despair from his "fellow creature," comes swiftly downwards to rescue the sufferers. With open bill he is already prepared to strike a vengeful blow at the reptile, his bright eye glancing hatred at his foe. See a third grappling with the snake, and with all its might tearing the skin from its body! Should this alliance of noble spirits prove victorious, will it not remind you that innocence, although beset with difficulties, may, with the aid of friendship, extricate herself with honour? "The birds in the case represented were greatly the sufferers: their nest was upset, their eggs lost, and the life of the female in imminent danger. But the snake was finally conquered, and a jubilee held over its carcass by a crowd of Thrushes and other birds, until the woods resounded with their notes of exultation. I was happy in contributing my share to the general jor, for, on taking the almost expiring bird into my hand for a few minutes, she recovered in some degree, and I restored her to her anxious mate."The Brown Thrush, or Thrasher, by which names this bird is generally known, may be said to be a constant resident in the United States, as immense numbers are found all the year round in Louisiana, the Floridas, Georgia, and the Carolinas." – Source: www.audubon.org . CONDITION: Overall light toning and fading, creasing to lower right corner, scattered light creases or handling dings. Side margins likely trimmed. Some abrasions to frame.