Owl in the Moonlight
Print on paper, likely a woodcut or linocut • Unknown; possibly an American or European printmaker working in the graphic arts tradition
Style & Movement
Modern Realism with Graphic Illustration influences
Medium & Technique
Relief printing technique using oil-based ink on paper; utilizes cross-hatching and stippling to create tonal contrast and texture
Creation Period
Mid-20th Century (circa 1940-1960)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 8 x 10 inches; horizontal landscape format
Subject Description
A stylized great horned owl perched on a gnarled tree branch, set against a large, luminous full moon. The composition is centered and uses high contrast between the dark background and the light moon to emphasize the bird
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; shows signs of age-appropriate toning and minor foxing
Estimated Market Value
$150 - $450 USD
Auction Estimate
$100 - $300 USD
Provenance History
Unknown; likely acquired from a private collection or local estate sale
Art Historical Significance
Represents the mid-century interest in nature-based woodblock printing and graphic illustration, often found in educational or decorative avian studies of the period
Notable Features
Strong textural contrast in the feathers and tree bark; the use of the moon as a halo-like device creates a dramatic focal point
Condition Issues
Yellowing of the paper (toning), minor foxing visible in the margins, and slight rippling of the paper support within the frame
Conservation Recommendations
Recommend reframing with acid-free matting and UV-protective glass; maintain in a climate-controlled environment away from direct sunlight