Great Horned Owl by John James Audubon, 1827
Great Horned Owl (Plate 61) by John James Audubon is a stunning illustration first published in 1827 as part of his monumental work, “The Birds of America.” Audubon, a renowned ornithologist and painter, created this series to capture the avian life of North America with an unprecedented level of detail and life-size portrayals. The Great Horned Owl, known scientifically as Bubo virginianus, is depicted with the dramatic scenery of its natural habitat and hunting behavior, capturing the essence of this nocturnal predator.
Now, you can experience this exclusive artwork through a meticulously crafted fine art print. Each piece is produced with exceptional care at The Unique Maps Co. on archival matte paper, ensuring a rich, long-lasting display that won’t fade over decades. Additionally, options for restoration and personalization are available to tailor the piece to your aesthetic preferences.
John James Audubon’s significance as an artist cannot be overstated. His encyclopedic and passionately executed documentation of American bird species remains unparalleled. “The Birds of America” series, featuring 435 hand-colored prints, is a testament to his dedication and artistry, retaining nearly mythic status with its exquisite attention to detail and lifelike portrayals of the avian world.
The Great Horned Owl itself is notable for its ferocity and adaptability, often termed the “Nimrod of the feathered tribes.” This majestic bird, with its haunting nocturnal cries and sweeping flight, is beautifully rendered in Audubon’s illustration. His use of color showcases the owl’s complex plumage, with hues ranging from brownish-black tufts to undulating bands of brownish-red and grey, capturing the owl’s unmatched elegance and power.
Owning this print is a gateway to understanding the brilliance of natural history art. The depiction of the Great Horned Owl transcends mere illustration and becomes a statement piece for any nature enthusiast or art collector. It offers a vivid glimpse into the life of one of nature’s most formidable predators and the artistic mastery of John James Audubon.
This art print makes an exceptional gift, perfect for occasions like Christmas, Father’s Day, or as a special treat for a bird lover or art history enthusiast, blending the allure of nature with timeless artistic expression.
If you’re not sure what size to order, or you’re looking for a custom order of some kind – a different size, a different colour, a special frame – then please contact me. I usually respond within a few minutes.
You can see an example of my fine art personalisation service in the fifth image. Zoom in and take a look. My personalised artwork is always very well received. Take a look at more examples of personalisation.
You can also choose to age your art print to make it look older. This is popular amongst my customers who want their artwork to look like an older, antique print. You can see an example of ageing in the sixth product image, or go ahead and check out lots of examples of other aged artwork.
The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this art print.
I can print and frame this beautiful piece of art at sizes up to 3 metres (10ft). If you are looking for a size or framing option that isn’t available online, please get in touch.
This artwork is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. My standard frames come in six colours (black, dark brown, dark grey, antique gold, oak and white), and custom framing is available for an additional charge. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.
