John James Audubon ( 1785 - 1851 ) was an American painter. John James Audubon s works have been put up for auction numerous times, with realized prices surpassing estimated prices, varying from 748 USD for North American animals (suite of 8) in 2003 to 276000 USD for AMERICAN BITTERN (ARDEA MINOR) in 2007 , based on the size and medium of the artwork.