Athene Superciliaris – White Browed Hawk Owl – Original Hand-Coloured Lithograph

Engraver: John Gerrard Keulemans
Publisher: L’Imprimerie Nationale
Price: £95
Publication Date: Not dated but c.1876
Format: Original hand-coloured lithograph
Condition: In very good condition, unframed
Sheet Size: Sheet Size: 32.5cm x 25cm

Condition:

Original hand-coloured lithograph. Minor age-toning to the margins. In very good indeed, clean condition overall. A rare plate from this important work.

Description:

Athene superciliaris, commonly known as the White-browed Owl, is a species of owl endemic to Madagascar. It belongs to the Strigidae family, which includes typical owls, and is notable for its striking appearance and distinctive vocalisations. The species is part of the genus Athene, which includes small, often nocturnal owls.

Key Characteristics:

• Appearance: The White-browed Owl has a distinctive white “eyebrow” or supercilium (hence its name) above its eyes. Its overall colouration is brown with streaks, and it has a pale face with dark eyes, giving it an expressive, alert look. The underparts are lighter, with brown streaking on the breast.
• Size: It is a relatively small owl, approximately 25 cm (10 inches) in length.
• Eyes: Like many owl species, Athene superciliaris has large, dark eyes suited for low-light hunting.

Habitat:

The White-browed Owl is found in Madagascar, specifically in forested regions, wooded savannas, and scrublands. It prefers habitats with ample tree cover, where it can perch and hunt for prey.

Behaviour and Diet:

• Vocalisations: This owl species is known for its distinctive calls, which include a series of hoots that are used to mark territory and communicate with potential mates.
• Diet: Like most owls, Athene superciliaris is a nocturnal predator. It feeds on small mammals, birds, insects, and other small vertebrates, which it hunts at night using its keen eyesight and hearing.
• Breeding: The species nests in tree cavities or other sheltered locations. The female typically lays 2 to 4 eggs, and both parents participate in rearing the young.

Conservation Status:

The White-browed Owl is not currently considered endangered but is categorized as “Least Concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, habitat loss due to deforestation in Madagascar poses a potential threat to the species in the future. Conservation efforts are essential to protect the owl’s natural environment.

This owl is significant for Madagascar’s unique biodiversity, contributing to the island’s rich array of endemic species.

John Gerrard Keulemans: A Short Biography

John Gerrard Keulemans (1842–1912) was a prolific and influential Dutch bird illustrator whose work remains celebrated for its accuracy and artistic detail. He was born on June 8, 1842, in Rotterdam, Netherlands. From a young age, he showed an interest in natural history, particularly in birds, and this passion guided him toward a career in scientific illustration.

Early Life and Career

Keulemans studied under Hermann Schlegel at the Natural History Museum in Leiden, where he honed his skills as a naturalist and artist. This connection led to one of his early assignments: joining an expedition to West Africa in 1864 to collect specimens. His work during this period helped him establish his reputation as both a naturalist and an illustrator. He documented various species of birds, adding greatly to the knowledge of African avifauna.

Move to London and Prolific Period

In 1869, Keulemans moved to England, where he would spend the rest of his career. London at that time was a hub of scientific research and publishing, making it an ideal base for an artist like Keulemans. He quickly became a leading illustrator for many of the major ornithological works of the 19th century.

Major Works

Keulemans illustrated more than 100 books on natural history, with his most famous contributions to:

• “The Birds of Great Britain” (1862–1873) by John Gould – Keulemans contributed to many of Gould’s other works, but this publication remains one of the most significant.
• “A History of the Birds of New Zealand” (1873, 1888, 1906) by Sir Walter Buller – Keulemans’ illustrations were essential to the understanding of New Zealand’s birdlife.
• “The Ibis” and “Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London” – leading ornithological journals where Keulemans’ works regularly appeared.
• “The Avifauna of Laysan” and “The Birds of the Hawaiian Islands” by R. C. L. Perkins.

Keulemans’ distinctive style involved the meticulous depiction of birds in natural, life-like poses. His plates were highly detailed, showcasing the nuances of feathers and anatomy, and he often portrayed birds in natural habitats to highlight their behaviour and environment.

Style and Techniques

Keulemans mainly worked in lithography, a printmaking process that allowed for mass production of his artwork while maintaining high-quality detail. He was known for his ability to bring a bird’s plumage and colour to life on paper, despite the limitations of the printing techniques of the time. His method involved working with specimens, either from museums or from field collections, to create scientifically accurate and dynamic illustrations.

Personal Life

Keulemans lived in England for much of his life and married in 1871. He fathered 11 children, though only six survived into adulthood. Despite his immense output and contributions to science, Keulemans often struggled financially, a common challenge for many illustrators of his era.

Legacy

John Gerrard Keulemans passed away on March 29, 1912, in Ilford, Essex, England. His legacy is firmly cemented in the world of ornithological illustration. His works continue to be highly regarded for their scientific value and artistic beauty. Many of his original illustrations are held in museums and private collections, and his detailed depictions are still referenced by ornithologists and bird enthusiasts today.

Keulemans’ work represents an important bridge between the art of the natural world and scientific inquiry, providing invaluable insight into bird species from around the world during a period when photography was still in its infancy. His illustrations remain among the finest examples of ornithological art.

Location: Map Drawer B: FS: Folder JGK

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