Barn Swallow by John James Audubon, 1827

Barn Swallow (Plate 173) is an exquisite avian illustration from John James Audubon’s renowned series, Birds of America. This cherished depiction, first published in 1827, captures the fleeting elegance and spirited demeanor of the Barn Swallow with remarkable precision.

This offering is an exceptionally high-quality fine art print, meticulously restored and prepared by The Unique Maps Co. Our prints are crafted on premium archival matte paper to ensure they remain vibrant and undisturbed by the passage of time. Moreover, we provide options for personalisation and customisation, allowing you to create a distinctive piece that echoes your personal touch.

John James Audubon, a self-taught ornithologist and painter, devoted much of his life to documenting America’s avifauna. His work remains unparalleled in terms of its scientific accuracy and artistic beauty. Audubon’s illustrations are legendary for their dynamic composition and painstaking detail, which brought the birds and their natural habitats to life for his audience.

The Barn Swallow illustration is particularly notable for its vibrant depiction of one of North America’s most beloved birds. Audubon’s masterful use of color – deep steel-blue, vivid chestnut, and contrasting white – breathes life into the depiction. The delicate balance between meticulous artistic rendering and scientific observation allows the viewers to appreciate both the visual beauty and the behavioral traits of the species.

Adding this print to your home or office décor is more than just acquiring a piece of art; it is welcoming a fragment of natural history into your space. The Barn Swallow, with its storied migration patterns and keen insectivore habits, not only enhances your wall's elegance but also serves as a conversation starter regarding the natural world and conservation efforts.

This print would make an exceptional gift for the art lover or bird enthusiast in your life. Ideal for occasions such as birthdays, Christmas, Father’s Day, housewarmings, or work farewells, this timeless piece symbolizes both admiration for natural beauty and a deep appreciation for artistic heritage.

If you're not sure what size to order, or you're looking for a custom order of some kind – a different size, a different colour, a special frame – then please contact me. I usually respond within a few minutes.

You can see an example of my fine art personalisation service in the fifth image. Zoom in and take a look. My personalised artwork is always very well received. Take a look at more examples of personalisation.

You can also choose to age your art print to make it look older. This is popular amongst my customers who want their artwork to look like an older, antique print. You can see an example of ageing in the sixth product image, or go ahead and check out lots of examples of other aged artwork.

The model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) version of this art print.

I can print and frame this beautiful piece of art at sizes up to 3 metres (10ft). If you are looking for a size or framing option that isn't available online, please get in touch.

This artwork is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. My standard frames come in six colours (black, dark brown, dark grey, antique gold, oak and white), and custom framing is available for an additional charge. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map size guide first.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps in 22 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

Read my full delivery and local production guide