Artwork
Ornament with Owl Mocked by Day Birds
Ornament with Owl Mocked by Day Birds is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Martin Schongauer. It dates from 1485 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created circa 1485, the engraving titled Ornament with Owl Mocked by Day Birds presents a compact, densely worked composition of avian figures. Executed in black ink on a metal plate, the image is filled with intricate, swirling lines that define a central tree, a concealed owl, and a flock of smaller birds in animated flight.
Subject & Meaning
The central owl, partially hidden among foliage, is surrounded by a group of day‑birds that appear to mock or jeer at it, suggesting a narrative of nocturnal versus diurnal creatures. The juxtaposition may allude to themes of concealment, ridicule, or the contrast between night and day within a single decorative frame.
Technique & Style
Schongauer employed fine, precise incisions typical of his engraving practice, a skill honed through his earlier work as a goldsmith. The tight hatching and cross‑hatching generate a rich tonal range, while the densely packed lines create a sense of movement and texture across the entire surface of the print.
History & Provenance
The work originates from the Alsatian artist Martin Schongauer (c.1450‑1491), whose output of 116 engravings established him as the foremost Northern printmaker before Albrecht Dürer. This piece belongs to the later phase of his career, reflecting his mature handling of complex ornamental designs.
Context
Produced during the late medieval period, the engraving exemplifies the Northern Renaissance’s focus on meticulous detail and the growing popularity of print media for disseminating intricate visual motifs. Its decorative nature aligns with contemporary ornamental patterns used in manuscripts and metalwork.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Martin Schongauer (c. 1450–1453, Colmar – 2 February 1491, Breisach), also known as Martin Schön ("Martin beautiful") or Hübsch Martin ("pretty Martin") by his contemporaries, was an Alsatian engraver and painter. He…
