Description

Fragment of an 18th Century Italian Old Master Painting – An Owl with Its Prey (Bird Hunt), original artwork (not a print).

Barn owl (Tyto alba) fragment after an 18th-century Italian Old Master painting. Original oil painting (not a print).

This artwork is a faithful hand-painted fragment inspired by an Italian Old Master composition from the 18th century, created as a study in the techniques of the classical masters. Painted over many months using professional oil paints and traditional multi-layer glazing, the work explores the delicate transitions of light, form, and colour that define historical oil painting.

Only a small part of the original composition is revealed here: the barn owl, emerging from the surrounding darkness with an almost sculptural presence. Its luminous heart-shaped face, soft ivory plumage and deep, attentive eyes create a striking contrast against the shadowed background. The cropped composition invites the viewer closer, transforming the owl into an intimate portrait rather than a narrative scene.

Throughout history, the barn owl has carried many symbolic meanings. It has been associated with silence, wisdom, mystery and the unseen world—its ghostlike appearance and nocturnal nature inspiring both admiration and superstition. Here, the bird becomes a quiet guardian of the darkness, suspended in a timeless moment between observation and concealment.

This painting celebrates not only the beauty of one of Europe’s most captivating owls, but also the enduring craftsmanship of the Old Masters, whose methods continue to inspire contemporary artists centuries later.

The artwork is signed on the other side of the canvas and varnished, with unpainted edges, unframed.

Size of the painting: 30 × 30 cm (11.8 × 11.8 in).
Materials: Professional oil paints on linen canvas.
The actual colors may slightly vary from those shown due to the nature of photography and individual monitor settings.
Shipping costs are not included in the price and will be confirmed upon request.