Little Owl Albrecht Dürer (1471-1528)

The drawing presents a small owl in a frontal pose, occupying most of the vertical space. The bird is depicted with meticulous attention to detail, showcasing its plumage through subtle gradations of brown, grey, and beige tones. These hues are applied with delicate washes, creating a soft, almost velvety texture that emphasizes the downy feathers characteristic of juvenile birds.
The artist has rendered the owl’s eyes as large and dark, drawing immediate focus to them. The pupils appear intensely black, contrasting sharply with the lighter coloration around them, which lends an impression of alertness and perhaps even curiosity to the creatures gaze. The beak is depicted in a pale yellow, subtly shaded to suggest form and volume.
Below the body, the artist has carefully illustrated the bird’s talons, emphasizing their sharp claws and textured surfaces. These details contribute to a sense of realism and highlight the owl’s predatory nature. A faint indication of a ground line is visible at the bottom of the composition, providing a minimal spatial context for the subject.
The background is left largely unadorned, with only subtle variations in the papers tone suggesting depth or shadow. This simplicity directs all attention to the owl itself, elevating it to the status of a central and significant presence within the work. The inclusion of numerical notations along the bottom edge suggests a possible study for scientific observation or anatomical analysis.
Beyond its straightforward depiction of an animal, the drawing evokes themes of naturalism and careful observation. It speaks to an interest in capturing the essence of living creatures with precision and sensitivity. The owls direct gaze might also be interpreted as symbolizing wisdom or vigilance, qualities often associated with this nocturnal bird.