Plate 40. American Redstart 

John James Audubon created this print of an American Redstart as part of his ambitious project to document all the birds of America in the early 19th century. Audubon's work exists within a complicated historical context, where the pursuit of scientific knowledge was deeply intertwined with colonial expansion and the displacement of Indigenous peoples. Audubon sought to capture the essence of these birds, depicting them in dynamic poses and natural settings. Yet, his project reflects a specific worldview. The birds are presented as specimens to be cataloged, mirroring the era's broader impulse to categorize and control the natural world. The American Redstart, with its vibrant colors, becomes a symbol of both the beauty and the exploitation inherent in this endeavor. While celebrating the natural world, Audubon’s work also raises questions about whose perspectives are valued and whose stories are told in the pursuit of knowledge.