This is a painting of three Black Guillemots. The image portrays three black guillemots in various states: one in flight, one on water, and one resting on a rock ledge. The flying guillemot is positioned in the upper part of the painting, showcasing its extensive wings and the distinctive black and white coloring of its plumage as it soars against a backdrop of soft, muted clouds. Below, another guillemot floats on the water, its body submerged with only the head and top part visible, displaying its red legs. To the left, the third guillemot is perched on a rocky outcrop that protrudes over the water, offering a contrasting texture with its feathered body. The painting illustrates the natural habitat of these birds. The sea and mountainous background enhance the serene quality of the scene.
Read the visual description

This is a painting of three Black Guillemots. The image portrays three black guillemots in various states: one in flight, one on water, and one resting on a rock ledge. The flying guillemot is positioned in the upper part of the painting, showcasing its extensive wings and the distinctive black and white coloring of its plumage as it soars against a backdrop of soft, muted clouds. Below, another guillemot floats on the water, its body submerged with only the head and top part visible, displaying its red legs. To the left, the third guillemot is perched on a rocky outcrop that protrudes over the water, offering a contrasting texture with its feathered body. The painting illustrates the natural habitat of these birds. The sea and mountainous background enhance the serene quality of the scene.

National Gallery of Art · Print

Black Guillemot

Robert Havell after John James Audubon

Date
1834
Medium
hand-colored engraving and aquatint on Whatman wove paper
Classification
Print
Accession number
1945.8.219
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 CCXIX

Subjects and terms

  • American
  • etching
  • aquatint
  • bird
  • animal
  • Water
  • Rock

NGA object ID 32357. 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.