John Woodhouse Audubon’s Spermophilus spilosoma, California Marmot Squirrel. Natural size. (1845) is a quintessential Victorian zoological illustration, created at a moment when art and science were rapidly converging. Executed with careful observation and scholarly intent, the plate presents the small ground-dwelling squirrel at life scale—an explicit nod to accuracy that made such images invaluable to naturalists and educators. The composition harmonizes lifelike anatomy with a refined painterly touch, capturing the animal’s posture, textured coat, and habitat cues with the clarity and restraint typical of mid-19th-century natural history plates.

Offered here as a museum-quality fine art print by The Unique Maps Co., this work is available on acid-free archival paper or artist’s cotton canvas for enduring beauty. Choose from a range of sizes, from intimate study-friendly formats to statement-making large prints. Framing and matting options include conservation-grade materials in classic finishes, and we’re happy to personalize your piece with a custom caption, dedication, or title line—thoughtfully typeset to complement the original plate. Each print is color-calibrated for fidelity and prepared to hang or gift with confidence.

About the artist: John Woodhouse Audubon (American, 1812–1862), son and close collaborator of John James Audubon, brought a singular sensitivity to mammalian subjects. Working alongside naturalist John Bachman on the celebrated series devoted to North American quadrupeds, he combined field-based observation with a studio polish that gave his animals presence and personality. His work helped cement the visual language of scientific illustration in America, balancing empirical detail with painterly grace.

Why this subject matters: The plate records Spermophilus spilosoma—here historically titled “California Marmot Squirrel”—at its true scale, underscoring the period’s commitment to education and taxonomy. Such “natural size” depictions allowed scholars and the curious public alike to compare features precisely, from body proportions to the distinctive speckling of the coat. It stands as a document of the era’s expanding knowledge of North American fauna and the role images played in communicating that knowledge.

Color, style, and design: Set against a clean, warm white ground with whispers of sunlit yellow and natural greens, the illustration uses delicate brushwork to render speckled fur, rounded forms, and the organic shapes of grasses and stones. Subtle gradients and earthy browns anchor the figure within its environment, while the calm composition keeps the eye focused on anatomy and texture. The result is both scientific and serene—equally at home in a study, living room, or gallery wall of botanical and zoological prints. Owning this print brings a touch of 19th-century scholarship and understated elegance to contemporary interiors, pairing beautifully with linen upholstery, wood accents, and neutral palettes.

A thoughtful and timeless gift, this fine art print suits naturalists, wildlife lovers, and anyone who appreciates the intersection of art and science. It’s perfect for Christmas, Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, graduations in the biological sciences, housewarmings, or as a meaningful present for the outdoors enthusiast in your life.

If you're not sure what size to order, or you're looking for a custom order of some kind – a different size, a different colour, a special frame – then please contact me. I usually respond within a few minutes.

You can see an example of my fine art personalisation service in the fifth image. Zoom in and take a look. My personalised artwork is always very well received. Take a look at more examples of personalisation.

You can also choose to age your art print to make it look older. This is popular amongst my customers who want their artwork to look like an older, antique print. You can see an example of ageing in the sixth product image, or go ahead and check out lots of examples of other aged artwork.

The model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) version of this art print.

I can print and frame this beautiful piece of art at sizes up to 3 metres (10ft). If you are looking for a size or framing option that isn't available online, please get in touch.

This artwork is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. My standard frames come in six colours (black, dark brown, dark grey, antique gold, oak and white), and custom framing is available for an additional charge. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

This artwork is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The work is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present an art print without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas art and explore the differences between my different finishes.