Owl on a Tree
- Original dimensions
- 31.5 x 25.5 cm
- Museum
- private collection
- Year
- 1834
Scene depicted
In this painting, the horizon opens up to a spectacle imbued with mystery and serenity. The owl, a symbol of wisdom, surveys its surroundings from its perch, while the tree, a living character in this scene, seems to whisper secrets of nature. The way the soft light caresses the branches evokes a peaceful atmosphere, conducive to contemplation.
Historical context
Artwork: Owl on a Tree |BRK| Artist: Caspar David Friedrich |BRK| Year: 1834 |BRK| Museum: private collection |BRK| Dimensions: 31.5 x 25.5 cm |BRK| Art Movement: romanticism |BRK|
Place in the artist's career
This painting is part of a pivotal period in Caspar David Friedrich's career. It is a stage where his mastery of landscape asserts itself, while foreshadowing later works such as “ The Wanderer above the Sea of Fog ” and “ The Sea of Ice .” “Owl on a Tree” reveals a technical evolution, combining realism and romanticism , while emphasizing his personal vision of nature.
Anecdote
“I find the beauty of nature in its solitude,” Friedrich is said to have declared. The birth of this masterpiece is enveloped by a calm morning, where the artist, walking along a forest path, is said to have seen this owl perched on a majestic tree, echoing his introspective soul. This fleeting moment was captured with a unique evocative force in the canvas .