Black Guillemot

Robert Havell after John James Audubon

National Gallery of Art

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.