Plate 167 Key-west Dove 

Plate 167 Key-west Dove was created by John James Audubon in the 19th century. Audubon lived during a time of immense territorial expansion and shifting understandings of nature in the United States. Here, two Key-west Doves are poised intimately, their beaks nearly touching. Audubon’s work reflects an era when natural sciences were rapidly evolving, yet also entwined with colonialist perspectives on land and resources. While celebrating the beauty of American birds, his approach often involved collecting specimens, reflecting a complex relationship between appreciation and exploitation. These images contributed to both scientific knowledge and cultural perceptions of wildlife. Audubon's work invites us to reflect on the historical context of naturalism, while considering contemporary issues of conservation and environmental ethics.