Monedula, Chouëtte (The Owl), from "Livre d'Oyseaux" (Book of Birds) 1650 - 1665

Albert Flamen created this etching titled, *The Owl*, sometime in the 17th century. Here, an owl sits perched in a tree, while smaller birds flutter nervously around it; some even appear to fall lifelessly from the branches. In European iconography, the owl is a complex symbol, often associated with both wisdom and death. As an animal of the night, it can represent the hidden and unknown, even evoking fear. Yet, consider the Greek goddess Athena, whose sacred animal was the owl, symbolizing knowledge. The clustering of smaller birds around the owl echoes scenes of predator and prey found throughout art history, from ancient Egyptian friezes to Renaissance tapestries. This image taps into a primal understanding of nature’s brutal realities. The emotional tension of the scene is palpable, engaging viewers on a deep, almost subconscious level. The owl as predator and the smaller birds as prey–a timeless dance of life and death, echoing across centuries and cultures.