Ep 5. John James Audubon: Drawn from Nature

American Masters is one of the most prestigious documentary series on PBS that explores the lives and works of America's most enduring artistic and cultural giants. Season 21 episode 5 titled John James Audubon: Drawn from Nature is a stunning tribute to the eponymous ornithologist, naturalist, and artist who became one of the most famous figures of the 19th century for his unparalleled illustrations of the birds of North America.

The episode takes viewers on a thrilling journey through the life and legacy of Audubon, who was born in Haiti in 1785 and immigrated to the United States in 1803. Audubon spent the next three decades traveling across the country, studying and painting every bird species he could find, and eventually publishing the monumental Birds of America, which contained 435 hand-colored prints and revolutionized the field of ornithology.

The documentary is directed by Al Reinert, who skillfully combines stunning vintage illustrations, personal letters, diary entries, and rare interviews with scholars, biographers, and Audubon's descendants to paint an intimate portrait of a complex and driven artist. The film is narrated by actor and self-proclaimed Audubon enthusiast, Lynne Redgrave, whose mellifluous voice and exquisite diction gives the script a poetic and lyrical quality.

The first part of the documentary explores Audubon's early life, his love for nature, and his artistic ambitions. Born to a French father and a Creole mother, Audubon spent his childhood in France, where he was enrolled in a prestigious art school and began honing his skills as a draftsman. After his family's business failed, he returned to America, where he met his future wife, Lucy Bakewell, and embarked on a series of expeditions to the backwoods of America, where he hunted, painted, and collected specimens for his illustrations.

The second part of the documentary delves into the making of Birds of America, Audubon's magnum opus. Reinert takes viewers behind the scenes of Audubon's working process, which involved using dead birds as models, posing them with wires and other props, and creating compositions that captured their natural beauty and grace. The documentary also explores the technical challenges that Audubon faced, such as finding paper that was big enough for his prints, creating his own inks and colors, and collaborating with his engravers and printers.

The third and final part of the documentary examines Audubon's legacy and his impact on American art and culture. The film explores the critical acclaim that Birds of America received, the controversies that surrounded some of its illustrations, and the lasting influence that Audubon had on subsequent generations of artists, writers, and conservationists. The documentary also highlights Audubon's dedication to wildlife conservation and his efforts to protect birds and their habitats, which led him to become an early advocate for environmentalism.

In conclusion, John James Audubon: Drawn from Nature is a captivating and informative documentary that celebrates the life and work of one of America's most iconic artists and scientists. Reinert's visionary direction, Redgrave's enchanting narration, and the beautifully rendered illustrations by Audubon himself make this episode a feast for the eyes and the mind. Whether you're a fan of Audubon's bird paintings or just a lover of nature and art, this episode is a must-see for all American Masters fans.