Virginian Opossum Print – 1845 John James Audubon Natural History Art
This Virginian Opossum Print depicts a female and young male perched on a persimmon branch. This John James Audubon illustration uses archival inks on 200 GSM museum-grade matte paper.
What You Will Receive
- Made to order, museum-grade art print. Frame not included unless stated.
- Printed on 200 GSM premium matte paper for crisp detail and zero glare.
- Archival giclée inks that resist fading for decades.
- Multiple size options. Use the selector above.
- Protective packaging: rigid mailer or sturdy tube.
Print Quality
Every print is produced using state-of-the-art giclée technology on heavyweight 200 GSM matte paper. The non-reflective surface eliminates glare while the archival pigment inks deliver rich, accurate colours designed to last a lifetime.
Size Guide
For walls above furniture, choose a print roughly two thirds to three quarters the width of the piece below it. Smaller sizes up to 11×14 inches suit gallery walls. Larger formats of 18×24 inches and above create striking focal points.
Verified Customer Reviews
Shipping
Every order is printed on demand. Processing takes 3 to 5 business days, then ships free worldwide with tracking.
| Region | Processing | Delivery | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | 3–5 days | 2–6 days | 5–11 days |
| Canada | 3–5 days | 5–10 days | 8–15 days |
| UK & Europe | 3–5 days | 5–10 days | 8–15 days |
| Australia & NZ | 3–5 days | 8–15 days | 11–20 days |
| Asia | 3–5 days | 7–15 days | 10–20 days |
| Rest of world | 3–5 days | 10–20 days | 13–25 days |
📦 Packaging
Prints up to 12×18 inches ship flat in rigid cardboard mailers with backing board. Larger prints are rolled in sturdy tubes with protective end caps. Every package includes moisture barriers and Handle With Care labels.
Returns and Replacements
- 30-day return window from delivery. No questions asked.
- Report damage within 48 hours with photos for a free replacement.
- Full refunds for eligible returns in original condition.
- Cancel before production starts for a complete refund.
- Return shipping covered for defective or incorrect items.
Need help? info.merchfuse@gmail.com
How to Care for Your Print
Follow these steps to keep your print looking gallery fresh for decades.
Handling
Allow rolled prints to relax flat for 30 to 60 minutes. Handle by the edges with clean, dry hands and avoid touching the printed surface.
Placement
Avoid direct sunlight, heat sources and high humidity areas. North-facing walls receive less UV. Use LED or incandescent lighting instead of fluorescent.
Framing
Use acid-free mats and UV protective glass or acrylic for maximum longevity. Leave a small gap between print and glazing for airflow.
Cleaning
Dust framed glass with a soft cloth. Spray the cloth, not the glass. For unframed prints, use a dry microfibre cloth and never apply liquids to the surface.
Climate
Keep temperature at 18–24 °C and humidity at 40–60%. Avoid attics, basements and garages where conditions swing widely.
Storage
Store flat in acid-free folders, interleaved with tissue paper, in a cool dark place. Never fold. Check stored prints annually.
⚠️ Avoid
- Prolonged direct sunlight or fluorescent lighting.
- Bathrooms, kitchens and areas above heat sources.
- Tape, adhesives or liquids applied directly to the print.
- Rolling with the image facing inward as this can crack the ink layer.
- Extreme or rapid temperature and humidity changes.
📊 Expected Lifespan
- 100+ years when framed with UV protective glazing and indirect light.
- 50–75 years when framed with standard glass and indirect light.
- 25–50 years when stored correctly in darkness.
This Virginian Opossum Print offers a high-fidelity reproduction of John James Audubon’s 1845 natural history plate from the landmark series, The Viviparous Quadrupeds of North America. The image presents a detailed study of Didelphis virginiana, the only marsupial found north of Mexico, depicted in a highly realistic interaction with its natural environment. The composition features a mature female and a seven-month-old young male navigating the gnarled branches of a persimmon tree. The precision of the original lithography is preserved, showing the coarse, grizzled fur and the distinct, prehensile tails used for climbing.
Historical Accuracy in the Virginian Opossum Print
The scientific significance of this John James Audubon lithograph cannot be overstated. Originally published in the mid-19th century, this plate was part of an ambitious project to document every mammal in North America with anatomical precision. Every hair on this Virginian Opossum Print remains sharp and clear, reflecting the meticulous observation required to document the species’ nocturnal features. The inclusion of the Diospyros virginiana, or American persimmon, serves as a botanical record as much as a zoological one, showcasing the fruit that constitutes a significant portion of the animal’s diet.
Visual Composition and Artist Details
The lighting in this scientific animal illustration is even and neutral, designed to highlight the texture of the fur and the transparency of the thin, black ears. The neutral background ensures the focus remains entirely on the subjects, making it an ideal choice for minimalist or traditional naturalist wall decor. Collectors of vintage wildlife art will appreciate the tonal range, from the creamy whites of the opossum’s face to the deep charcoal greys of its undercoat. The young male is positioned lower on the branch, looking upward toward the female, creating a sense of movement and narrative within the frame.
Adding a Virginian Opossum Print to a study or office creates a scholarly atmosphere that honors the golden age of biological exploration. This specific plate, identified as Plate LXVI in the original collection, represents the shift from purely artistic animal depictions to rigorous scientific documentation. The 1845 publication date places this work at the heart of American westward expansion, a time when these creatures were being formally categorized by naturalists. The contrast between the grey-black fur and the orange-hued persimmons provides a subtle color palette that fits into various interior design schemes without overwhelming other decor elements.
The Virginian Opossum Print depicts the marsupial in a naturalistic pose that emphasizes its specialized anatomy. The opposable hallux on the hind feet and the naked, scaly tail are rendered with the accuracy expected of an archivist. For those seeking a sophisticated botanical and zoological crossover, this print serves as a perfect example of how 19th-century art bridged the gap between decoration and education. Each reproduction is printed on 200 GSM museum-grade matte paper, ensuring the deep blacks and subtle gradients do not fade over time when exposed to indirect light.
Technical Specifications and Display Advice
To maintain the integrity of the archival inks, it is recommended to frame this piece behind UV-protective glass. The standard frame-ready dimensions allow for easy integration into existing gallery walls or as a standalone focal point. Whether you are a biologist, a history enthusiast, or a collector of Americana, this print provides a window into the rich biodiversity of the mid-1800s. Order your Virginian Opossum Print for a high-resolution addition to your collection that maintains the integrity of Audubon’s original vision.
- Paper quality: 200 GSM museum-grade matte finish.
- Inks: Fade-resistant archival, professional large-format.
- Framing: Ships unframed, standard frame-ready.
- Digital download: 300 DPI high-resolution file available.
This is fan-inspired artwork and an original artistic interpretation. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially licensed by any studio, production company, label, artist, photographer, or rights holder.
Price range: $3.90 through $74.90
Price range: $3.90 through $74.90
Price range: $3.90 through $74.90
Price range: $3.90 through $74.90
