“Owl on a Grave” is a work of art created by the renowned artist Caspar David Friedrich around the years 1836 to 1837 in Germany. The artwork is executed using pencil and sepia, measures 25.9 by 22.2 centimeters, and belongs to the Romanticism art movement. Classified under the genre of wildlife painting, this piece captures the somber and introspective elements prevalent in Romantic artworks.
In the artwork, an owl is depicted perched on a rustic cross-shaped structure, which is likely a grave marker, situated amid a small overgrown hill. The owl, with its wings slightly spread, conveys a sense of solemn watchfulness. The background showcases a serene, softly lit sky, blending with the melancholic theme. The use of earthy tones and detailed rendering of flora around the grave emphasizes Friedrich’s masterful technique and his intrinsic connection with nature, imbued with the spiritual and emotional depth characteristic of the Romantic era.
