Steenuil 1594

Jacques de Fornazeris etched this striking owl around the turn of the 17th century. Here, the owl, a symbol of wisdom since ancient Greece, is rendered with a piercing gaze that seems to penetrate the viewer's very soul. But the owl, seen perched with such solemnity, has not always been associated with sagacity. In many cultures, it embodies darkness, death, and the uncanny. Consider the ancient Roman belief that owls foretold misfortune. This duality reflects our complex relationship with the unknown, a psychological projection of our fears and fascination with what lies beyond our understanding. The presence of the smaller bird evokes the owl's role as a predator, a stark reminder of nature's harsh realities. Yet, even in this depiction of predatory prowess, we cannot deny the owl's haunting beauty, a quality that ensures its continued presence in our collective imagination. The image resonates across time, a potent reminder of the cyclical nature of symbols.