American Swift

Robert Havell after John James Audubon

National Gallery of Art

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.