Great cinereous owl
1827-1838
Audubon’s 'Great Cinereous Owl' (now known as the Great Grey Owl) stares down with hypnotic intensity, showcasing the artist's obsession with anatomical precision. To achieve this lifelike pose, Audubon often wired freshly killed birds into natural positions—a morbid but necessary trick for his time. The intricate feather patterns and those massive, target-like facial discs are rendered with incredible detail in this plate from his legendary book, The Birds of America. Because the book was printed on massive 'Double Elephant' paper to show the birds life-size, a complete set is one of the most expensive books in the world.
- Technique
- Hand-colored engraving
- Material
- Paper
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