This is a painting of two birds in flight above their nests. The painting shows two swifts mid-flight, positioned against a neutral background that highlights their detailed plumage. The swift at the top of the image has its wings spread wide, showcasing the variations in hues across its feathers. Below and slightly to the right, another swift flies in a similar manner, its wings slightly angled downwards. Near the bottom of the painting, two nests are depicted. On the left, a nest crafted from twigs and situated within a framework of leaves has an organic, rounded form. To the right, another nest appears to cling to a vertical surface, its structure suspended and creating a sense of hanging precariousness.
Read the visual description

This is a painting of two birds in flight above their nests. The painting shows two swifts mid-flight, positioned against a neutral background that highlights their detailed plumage. The swift at the top of the image has its wings spread wide, showcasing the variations in hues across its feathers. Below and slightly to the right, another swift flies in a similar manner, its wings slightly angled downwards. Near the bottom of the painting, two nests are depicted. On the left, a nest crafted from twigs and situated within a framework of leaves has an organic, rounded form. To the right, another nest appears to cling to a vertical surface, its structure suspended and creating a sense of hanging precariousness.

National Gallery of Art · Print

American Swift

Robert Havell after John James Audubon

Date
1833
Medium
hand-colored engraving and aquatint on Whatman wove paper
Classification
Print
Accession number
1945.8.158
Credit line
Gift of Mrs. Walter B. James
Time span
1826 to 1850
Department
CG-W

Portfolio and series

Series
The Birds of America: Plate CLVIII

Subjects and terms

  • American
  • etching
  • aquatint
  • bird
  • animal
  • Nature
  • Writing

NGA object ID 32299. Collection metadata is reproduced under CC0. This work is included because its NGA published-image record is marked open access; visitors should recheck the source record before substantial reuse.