Richardson's Columbian Squirrel (Sciurus richardsonii) by John Woodhouse Audubon, 1845

John Woodhouse Audubon’s Sciurus Richardsonii, Richardson’s Columbian Squirrel. Natural size. Male & Female. (1845–1848) is a poised study from the golden age of natural history illustration. The son of the famed ornithologist John James Audubon, John Woodhouse inherited a keen eye for field observation and a painter’s sensitivity to light and texture. Here, he captures a pair of North American squirrels at life size, their bodies animated on a leafy bough and rendered with the quiet drama that defined mid-19th-century zoological art. Issued in the mid-1840s, the image reflects a period when art and science were intertwined, expanding public knowledge of the continent’s fauna through beautifully made plates.

This fine art print is produced by The Unique Maps Co. on your choice of acid-free archival paper or artist’s cotton canvas for rich, enduring color. Available in a range of sizes, it can be ordered unframed or framed, with optional matting and custom margins. Personalization options include period-style captions, titles, and dedication lines—ideal for marking a special occasion or creating a tailored gallery wall.

John Woodhouse Audubon (1812–1862) was a painter and naturalist who worked closely within his family’s studio tradition, bringing mammals to life with the same vigor his father lent to birds. His career coincided with an extraordinary phase of exploration and cataloging in North America, and his contributions helped solidify the status of wildlife illustration as both scientific document and fine art. His balance of accuracy and grace has made these images enduring favorites among collectors and naturalists.

This particular plate is notable for its pairing of male and female specimens at natural size, a choice that underscores the scientific ambition of the work while inviting the viewer to notice subtle variations in form and markings. The plate belongs to the era when illustrated zoological works were essential to identification, education, and the popular imagination—an elegant bridge between the field notebook and the museum cabinet.

Visually, the composition is both lively and meticulous: two squirrels arranged in a conversational arc across a branch, their fur articulated with fine, tapering strokes that suggest softness and motion. Earthy browns are warmed by touches of orange and sunlit yellow, while fresh greens enliven the leaves. Set against a crisp white ground, every whisker and claw reads cleanly at a distance and rewards close inspection up close. As labeled on the original plate, the species is Sciurus Richardsonii—Richardson’s Columbian Squirrel—making this print a handsome focal point for a study, library, or living room and a meaningful addition for anyone who appreciates natural history.

A thoughtful gift for Christmas, Mother’s or Father’s Day, birthdays, housewarmings, or for the wildlife lover and traveler in your life, this timeless Victorian zoological illustration brings the curiosity and wonder of 19th-century exploration into today’s home.

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.