Swift Fox (Vulpes velox) by John Woodhouse Audubon, 1845

Vulpes velox, Swift Fox. Natural size. Male. by John Woodhouse Audubon (1845) is a refined Victorian zoological illustration that captures the alert grace of one of North America’s smallest canids. Created during a golden age of scientific exploration, this life-size study reflects the 19th century’s drive to record animals with exacting fidelity. Audubon’s fox stands poised and watchful, rendered with naturalistic care that bridges field observation and art, bringing the flora and fauna of the expanding United States vividly to the page.

Your print is produced by The Unique Maps Co. as a museum-quality fine art reproduction on your choice of acid-free archival paper or artist’s cotton canvas. Multiple sizes suit anything from a study wall to a living room feature, and you can opt for our in-house framing and matting to receive it ready to hang. Personalization is available—add a caption plate, adjust margins for a gallery look, or include a discreet dedication—to create a truly one-of-a-kind piece.

John Woodhouse Audubon (1812–1862), son and collaborator of John James Audubon, was an accomplished American naturalist-artist whose work extended his family’s legacy beyond birds to quadrupeds of North America. His drawings, translated through meticulous hand-colored lithographic techniques, helped popularize natural history for a broad audience, uniting scientific accuracy with compelling design. This print exemplifies his ability to portray both character and anatomy—keen eyes, pointed ears, and the lithe build of a swift, ground-running fox.

The subject itself, Vulpes velox—the swift fox—holds a particular fascination in American natural history. Native to the Great Plains, it embodies the open-country ecosystems that were being surveyed and cataloged in the mid-1800s. The designation “Natural size” in the title underscores the educational intent of the plate, inviting viewers to compare the animal’s true proportions while appreciating its delicate features and nimble form as they would appear in the field.

Visually, the palette leans into warm earth tones with muted yellows and soft greys, accented by sunlit touches of yellow, white, and orange that glint along the guard hairs and the grasses at the fox’s feet. Fine, layered strokes articulate the fur’s varied textures and subtle patterning, while the surrounding flora is handled with a gentle softness that sets the animal in crisp relief. The composition guides the eye along the elongated snout, through the tension of the forelimbs, and back to the fox’s plume-like tail, delivering both scientific clarity and decorative harmony—an ideal blend for naturalists and design lovers alike.

This timeless natural history print makes a thoughtful gift for wildlife enthusiasts, conservation-minded friends, and admirers of American art and history. It’s an elegant choice for Christmas, Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, birthdays, housewarmings, or to celebrate someone who has recently traveled through the Great Plains or the national parks of the American West.

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.