This is a painting of swallows flying and nesting near cliffs. The image displays a combination of vibrant violet-green and bank swallows in action above a cliffside, showcasing their colorful plumage against a pale sky. Numerous swallows are depicted in flight or near a nest set in the rock face of the cliff. The artwork emphasizes the grace and motion of the birds, highlighting their streamlined bodies and delicate wings as they inhabit the natural rocky environment. This painting is done in the style of John James Audubon.
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This is a painting of swallows flying and nesting near cliffs. The image displays a combination of vibrant violet-green and bank swallows in action above a cliffside, showcasing their colorful plumage against a pale sky. Numerous swallows are depicted in flight or near a nest set in the rock face of the cliff. The artwork emphasizes the grace and motion of the birds, highlighting their streamlined bodies and delicate wings as they inhabit the natural rocky environment. This painting is done in the style of John James Audubon.

National Gallery of Art · Print

Bank Swallow and Violet-green Swallow

Robert Havell after John James Audubon

Date
1837
Medium
hand-colored engraving and aquatint on Whatman wove paper
Classification
Print
Accession number
1945.8.385
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 CCCLXXXV

Subjects and terms

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

NGA object ID 32526. 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.