Plate 173 Barn Swallow 

John James Audubon created this artwork using a combination of engraving and aquatint. The composition is strikingly simple. The nest, rendered in nuanced shades of gray and brown, serves as a stable base for the vibrant birds. Note how Audubon uses the textured strokes to create a three-dimensional effect, contrasting with the smooth, detailed rendering of the swallows. The warm rust colour against the cold, slick black creates tension. Audubon departs from pure observation. Instead, he constructs a scene, emphasizing certain traits while abstracting others. The result is a statement about the relationship between representation and reality. Consider how the linear quality of the engraved lines mimics the swift, directional movement of the swallows themselves. This is more than just a picture; it is a study in how art can capture and communicate the essence of movement.