Ornament with Owl Mocked by Day Birds

Martin Schongauer

1470–1491 · Engraving · Drawings and Prints

Martin Schongauer concealed a sinister narrative within this lively pattern of Gothic leaves. Six birds tucked throughout the ornament caw in derision at an owl, which carries a small bird in its beak. During the late fifteenth century in northern Europe, the carnivorous owl was often associated with negative concepts, such as sin and greed.

Artist

Martin Schongauer

Date

1470–1491

Medium

Engraving

Department

Drawings and Prints

Credit line

Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1937