Authentic Swallow-tailed Hawk Print – Audubon Birds of America Wall Art
The Swallow-tailed Hawk print features a precise 19th-century ornithological study of a raptor in mid-flight. This Audubon bird illustration is reproduced on museum-grade matte paper for superior archival longevity.
What You Will Receive
- Made to order, museum-grade art print. Frame not included unless stated.
- Printed on 200 GSM premium matte paper for crisp detail and zero glare.
- Archival giclée inks that resist fading for decades.
- Multiple size options. Use the selector above.
- Protective packaging: rigid mailer or sturdy tube.
Print Quality
Every print is produced using state-of-the-art giclée technology on heavyweight 200 GSM matte paper. The non-reflective surface eliminates glare while the archival pigment inks deliver rich, accurate colours designed to last a lifetime.
Size Guide
For walls above furniture, choose a print roughly two thirds to three quarters the width of the piece below it. Smaller sizes up to 11×14 inches suit gallery walls. Larger formats of 18×24 inches and above create striking focal points.
Verified Customer Reviews
Shipping
Every order is printed on demand. Processing takes 3 to 5 business days, then ships free worldwide with tracking.
| Region | Processing | Delivery | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | 3–5 days | 2–6 days | 5–11 days |
| Canada | 3–5 days | 5–10 days | 8–15 days |
| UK & Europe | 3–5 days | 5–10 days | 8–15 days |
| Australia & NZ | 3–5 days | 8–15 days | 11–20 days |
| Asia | 3–5 days | 7–15 days | 10–20 days |
| Rest of world | 3–5 days | 10–20 days | 13–25 days |
📦 Packaging
Prints up to 12×18 inches ship flat in rigid cardboard mailers with backing board. Larger prints are rolled in sturdy tubes with protective end caps. Every package includes moisture barriers and Handle With Care labels.
Returns and Replacements
- 30-day return window from delivery. No questions asked.
- Report damage within 48 hours with photos for a free replacement.
- Full refunds for eligible returns in original condition.
- Cancel before production starts for a complete refund.
- Return shipping covered for defective or incorrect items.
Need help? info.merchfuse@gmail.com
How to Care for Your Print
Follow these steps to keep your print looking gallery fresh for decades.
Handling
Allow rolled prints to relax flat for 30 to 60 minutes. Handle by the edges with clean, dry hands and avoid touching the printed surface.
Placement
Avoid direct sunlight, heat sources and high humidity areas. North-facing walls receive less UV. Use LED or incandescent lighting instead of fluorescent.
Framing
Use acid-free mats and UV protective glass or acrylic for maximum longevity. Leave a small gap between print and glazing for airflow.
Cleaning
Dust framed glass with a soft cloth. Spray the cloth, not the glass. For unframed prints, use a dry microfibre cloth and never apply liquids to the surface.
Climate
Keep temperature at 18–24 °C and humidity at 40–60%. Avoid attics, basements and garages where conditions swing widely.
Storage
Store flat in acid-free folders, interleaved with tissue paper, in a cool dark place. Never fold. Check stored prints annually.
⚠️ Avoid
- Prolonged direct sunlight or fluorescent lighting.
- Bathrooms, kitchens and areas above heat sources.
- Tape, adhesives or liquids applied directly to the print.
- Rolling with the image facing inward as this can crack the ink layer.
- Extreme or rapid temperature and humidity changes.
📊 Expected Lifespan
- 100+ years when framed with UV protective glazing and indirect light.
- 50–75 years when framed with standard glass and indirect light.
- 25–50 years when stored correctly in darkness.
Historical Accuracy of the Swallow-tailed Hawk print
The **Swallow-tailed Hawk print** remains a cornerstone of early American naturalism, originally appearing as Plate 72 in John James Audubon’s monumental work, *The Birds of America*. This specific composition captures the raptor, now taxonomically classified as the Swallow-tailed Kite, in a moment of visceral predatory action. The bird is depicted with its distinctive deeply forked tail spread wide, providing the necessary stabilization for its aerial maneuvers. Audubon’s dedication to anatomical precision is evident in the rendering of the primary feathers and the sharp contrast between the deep obsidian plumage and the stark white underparts. This reproduction maintains the integrity of the original hand-colored engraving, ensuring that every subtle gradient of the watercolor wash is visible to the observer.
Anatomical Detail and Compositional Energy
In this **Swallow-tailed Hawk print**, the subject is shown clutching a Garter Snake (Coluber saurita), illustrating the specialized diet and hunting prowess of the species. The snake’s winding form creates a secondary focal point, with its scales rendered in muted greens and yellows that provide a chromatic counterpoint to the monochromatic feathers of the hawk. The hawk’s head is turned back toward its prey, showing the hooked beak and the focused gaze characteristic of high-altitude hunters. The expansive wingspan dominates the frame, showcasing the aerodynamic efficiency that allows these birds to spend the majority of their lives in flight. By focusing on this dynamic interaction, Audubon moved beyond static profile views, favoring a more lifelike and dramatic portrayal of wildlife.
Museum-Grade Material Specifications
Our **Swallow-tailed Hawk print** is produced using 200 GSM museum-grade matte paper. This heavy-weight stock is selected for its ability to hold rich, saturated blacks without the glare associated with glossy finishes. We employ professional large-format printers and fade-resistant archival inks that ensure the longevity of the image. This process prevents the yellowing or degradation often seen in standard commercial posters. Whether you choose the physical print or the high-resolution digital download, the clarity of the fine lines—originally etched into copper plates nearly two centuries ago—is preserved with extreme fidelity.
Technical Features and Versatility
- Paper Weight: 200 GSM museum-grade matte finish for a premium feel.
- Inks: Archival-quality pigments that resist UV degradation.
- Digital Option: 300 DPI high-resolution files available for immediate use.
- Framing: Standard dimensions allow for easy integration with off-the-shelf or custom frames.
- Aesthetic Style: Classic 19th-century scientific illustration with a clean, white background.
Integrating a **Swallow-tailed Hawk print** into a domestic or professional space provides an anchor of historical interest. The clean white background of the plate allows the stark silhouette of the bird to stand out, making it suitable for minimalist, traditional, or academic interior designs. This piece functions as both a decorative element and a tribute to the golden age of American ornithology. The **Swallow-tailed Hawk print** is particularly effective when displayed in a study, library, or office, where its scientific origins can be fully appreciated.
Digital Accessibility and Production Quality
For those requiring immediate access to this historical imagery, we offer a 300 DPI digital version of the **Swallow-tailed Hawk print**. This file is optimized for large-scale printing, ensuring that the texture of the original paper and the minute details of the engraving remain sharp. The physical prints are shipped unframed and rolled in protective tubing to ensure they arrive in gallery condition. Each order is handled with the care expected of high-end art reproductions, maintaining the standard established by the MerchFuse archive. Order your **Swallow-tailed Hawk print** today to secure a piece of natural history for your collection.
This is fan-inspired artwork and an original artistic interpretation. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially licensed by any studio, production company, label, artist, photographer, or rights holder.
Price range: $3.90 through $59.90
Price range: $3.90 through $59.90
Price range: $3.90 through $59.90
Price range: $3.90 through $59.90
