John James Audubon (1785–1851), Gray Rabbit: Old Male, Female, and Young , 19th century, Watercolor and graphite, with gouachePurchased by Pierpont Morgan, 1910 , 1976.12:4
Audubon's Rabbit
This drawing is a preparatory study for an image that appears in The Viviparous Quadrupeds of North America (1845–48). The text accompanying the image comments on the rabbit's pesky habits: "It often makes inroads upon the kitchen-garden, feasting on the young green peas, lettuces, cabbages, &c., and doing a great deal of mischief." On the verso of this drawing, Audubon wrote a very personal note: "I drew this Hare during one of the days of deepest sorrow I have felt in my life, and my only solace was derived from my Labour. This morning our beloved Daughter [-in-Law] Eliza died."