A hand-coloured engraving by John James Audubon depicting a male and female bighorn sheep in their natural habitat. This print exemplifies Audubon's meticulous approach to capturing the essence of wildlife.

John James Audubon (1785-1851) was an American ornithologist, naturalist, and painter, notable for his extensive studies documenting all types of American birds and for his detailed illustrations that depicted the birds in their natural habitats. His major work, *The Birds of America* (1827-1839), is a collection of 435 life-size prints. Audubon also embarked on a similar project documenting North American mammals, resulting in *Viviparous Quadrupeds of North America* (1845-1849). These works are celebrated for their scientific accuracy and artistic merit. *Rocky Mountain Sheep* depicts a male and female bighorn sheep in a mountainous environment. The male, with its large, curved horns, stands prominently in the foreground, while the female is positioned slightly behind, adding depth to the composition. The detailed rendering of the animals' fur and musculature, combined with the naturalistic depiction of the rocky terrain, exemplifies Audubon's meticulous approach to capturing the essence of wildlife. The print is a fine example of Audubon's skill in blending scientific observation with artistic representation.