Barn Owl

1833

Robert Havell after John James Audubon

Associated Names
Robert Havell, Jr.

Artist, American, born England, 1793 - 1878

John James Audubon

Artist After, American, 1785 - 1851

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.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    hand-colored engraving and aquatint on Whatman wove paper

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Mrs. Walter B. James

  • Dimensions

    plate: 97.5 x 65.5 cm (38 3/8 x 25 13/16 in.)
    sheet: 100.5 x 68.3 cm (39 9/16 x 26 7/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1945.8.171

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Birds of America, no. 171

Artwork history & notes

Exhibition History

2005

  • Audubon's Dream Realized: Selections from "The Birds of America". The National Gallery of Art, Washington, 2005.

Bibliography

1827

  • Audubon, John James. The Birds of America. London: 1827-1838.

Wikidata ID

Q65082842

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