Bobcat (Lynx rufus) by John Woodhouse Audubon, 1845

Lynx rufus, var. maculatus, Texan Lynx. (Female.) by John Woodhouse Audubon (1845) is a poised and penetrating glimpse into 19th‑century American natural history. Audubon—son of the famed ornithologist and painter John James Audubon—renders the female Texan lynx with a field naturalist’s eye and an artist’s intuition, capturing the immediacy of a living creature as it moves through a sunlit landscape. Created in the mid‑1840s, this Victorian zoological illustration reflects a moment when art and science worked hand in hand to record the richness of North America’s wildlife for scholars and the public alike.

This listing is for a museum‑quality fine art print of the original illustration, produced with archival pigment inks on acid‑free paper or on artist’s cotton canvas. The Unique Maps Co. offers a range of sizes from intimate to statement‑making, with optional framing and matting to suit your space. Personalization is available—add a small dedication, adjust borders, or request a custom caption—so your print arrives ready to hang or gift.

John Woodhouse Audubon (1812–1862) carried forward his family’s legacy of careful observation and exquisite draftsmanship, contributing significantly to the era’s great projects of illustrated natural history. His work is admired for balancing scientific clarity with painterly nuance, and this plate demonstrates his ability to convey anatomy, character, and habitat in one harmonious composition.

The subject here—historically called the “Texan lynx” and scientifically identified as Lynx rufus (the bobcat), with the 19th‑century varietal designation maculatus—speaks to a period of expanding knowledge about North American mammals. Illustrations like this helped catalog regional biodiversity while captivating readers with dramatic, lifelike portrayals. For anyone fascinated by the intersection of ecology and exploration, this print is a window into the educational mission and visual culture of the mid‑Victorian age.

Color and design play a crucial role in the image’s enduring appeal. The lynx’s tawny, orange‑brown coat—patterned with distinctive spots and subtle striping—contrasts beautifully with the cooler greens of the foreground and the soft blue distance, a pairing that heightens the animal’s presence. Fine, hair‑by‑hair detailing gives the pelt texture and depth, while broad, atmospheric washes in the landscape create a sense of light and space. The dynamic, fluid stance captures alertness without sacrificing accuracy, making this a refined centerpiece for interiors that range from modern naturalist to cabin‑rustic and study‑classic.

A thoughtful gift for wildlife lovers, Texans at heart, cat enthusiasts, biologists, and collectors of natural history art, this print is ideal for Christmas, Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, housewarmings, graduations, or as a memento for someone recently returned from a Texas or national‑parks adventure.

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.