Skip to main content

Owls

Series TitleNeue europäische Graphik (Portfolio I)
Artist Gerhard Marcks (German, 1889 - 1981)
Date1921
MediumWoodcut
DimensionsImage: 11 × 9 3/8 inches (27.94 × 23.81 cm)
Credit LineGift of Jane Wade in memory of Curt Valentin
Object number55-73/5
On View
Not on view
Collections
Gallery Label
Wrapped in a hooded, checked cloak and seated in a contemplative pose, a night owl with furrowed brow broods. A dark window, shingled gables, sturdy beams and a lone, glowing candle complete the crowded scene. Surrounding the sleepless, lone thinker on his rooftop perch are nine birds, identified by the artist as owls. Their attention is focused on this kindred spirit, this fellow creature of the night—perhaps the artist— who shares their association with wisdom, prophecy and the unknown.
Information about a particular artwork or image, including provenance information, is based upon historic information and may not be currently accurate or complete. Research on artwork and images is an ongoing process, and the information about a particular artwork or image may not reflect the most current information available to the Museum. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about a particular artwork or image, please e-mail provenance@nelson-atkins.org.


Vampire
Gerhard Marcks
1948
58-33/5
#2 is on right
Workshop of Hubert Gerhard
ca. 1583-1584
59-71/2
#1 is on left
Workshop of Hubert Gerhard
ca. 1583-1584
59-71/1
Untitled
Gerhard Richter
1989
2015.67.45
Nyctale Tengmalmi, (Tengmalm's Owl)
Henry Constantine Richter
1862-1873
F83-53/1
The Blindness of Tobit
Anton Koberger
1483
33-1011
Christ Healing the Lepers
Giuseppe Nicolo Rossigliani
1608
33-1637
Mass at the Altar
Anton Sorg
1483
33-1013