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The Owl

Félix-Hilaire Buhot

1883

From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art

Impressionism Realism Late 19th Century Allegory

Dominant colour

The Owl is a 1883 by Félix-Hilaire Buhot, a Impressionism work, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.

Who painted this?: Félix-Hilaire Buhot
When & what style?: 1883 · Impressionism
Where can I see it?: Cleveland Museum of Art

About this work

This sketch shows an owl perched on an open book with the words *"PAUCA PAUCIS"* underneath. Outside the window, a dark street has a few people walking and a ship in the distance. Inside the room, a musician plays a cello, and shelves hold more books and a bust. The owl on the book might symbolize wisdom, but the scene feels a little odd—like a quiet joke. The artist packed a lot of small details into this sketch. If you like this style, check out Realism for more paintings that focus on everyday life.