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Barn Owl

Robert Havell after John James Audubon

National Gallery of Art

This is print of two barn owls perched on the branches of a leafless tree against a dark sky, with a landscape of a distant river lined with trees visible below. The owl at the top of the painting has its wings spread, and it holds a small brown chipmunk in one claw, gripping the creature's head. The other owl is on a lower branch, and it has its wings partially raised and its beak is open, looking up towards the chipmunk held by the other owl. The feather patterns on both birds are detailed, showing the white on their faces, underbellies, and beneath their wings, as well as the warm brown tones of their heads, backs, and wings. The sky behind them is dark blue-gray.

Artwork Details

Date
1833
Medium
hand-colored engraving and aquatint on Whatman wove paper
Dimensions
3594 × 5390 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
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