1821 Antique - Prideaux John Selby Long-Eared Owl Woodcut Drawing Wood Framed Art Piece

Details

Description

This piece is a hand-colored scientific engraving of a Long-eared Owl (Asio otus), created by the British naturalist & illustrator … Read more This piece is a hand-colored scientific engraving of a Long-eared Owl (Asio otus), created by the British naturalist & illustrator Prideaux John Selby (1788–1867). It is part of Selby’s most famous work, Illustrations of British Ornithology, published between 1821 and 1834. Selby’s work is significant because he was one of the few naturalists of the era to engrave his own plates, creating life-sized illustrations that were often compared to those of his contemporary, John James Audubon. It is Plate XXIX from his Illustrations of British Ornithology.

Piece Description
The illustration captures a Long-eared Owl in a classic profile view, emphasizing its distinctive "ear tufts," which are actually feathers, not ears erect and slightly angled.

Subject: The owl is rendered with meticulous detail, showing the fine, mottled patterns of brown, buff & grey plumage that provide its natural camouflage. Its large, forward-facing yellow eyes are a focal point, giving the bird a watchful expression.
Composition: The owl is perched on a weathered, mossy tree limb that angles upward, creating a balanced diagonal composition against the clean white background typical of 19th-century scientific plates.
Frame: The frame is made with real barn wood and perfectly accents the drawing.
Measures: 17"h x 14" w 1.5" d
Condition: Good condition with very bright and vivid colors. No damage to the print or frame. The frame is rustic, made of real rustic wood; therefore has some signs of intended wear. See less