Lapp-Owl – Syrnium lapponicum – 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.

Location: Map Drawer B: FS: Folder JGK 001868

Lapp-Owl: A Brief Description

The Lapp-Owl (Syrnium lapponicum), more commonly known as the Great Grey Owl, is one of the largest owl species in the world, both in terms of length and wingspan, although it is relatively light for its size due to its fluffy plumage. Native to the northern boreal forests of Europe, Asia, and North America, this owl is primarily associated with remote, densely forested regions where human disturbance is minimal.

Physical Description:

• Size: The Lapp-Owl typically measures between 60 to 84 cm (24 to 33 inches) in length, with a wingspan that can reach up to 140 cm (55 inches). Despite its imposing appearance, it weighs relatively little for its size, averaging around 800 to 1,700 grams (1.8 to 3.7 pounds), due to its lightweight skeleton and thick, insulating plumage.
• Plumage: The Lapp-Owl is characterised by its dense, soft plumage that is primarily grey with brownish streaks and white barring. Its feathers are finely patterned with a mix of grey, brown, white, and black, helping it blend seamlessly into its forested environment. The owl’s underparts are pale, streaked with dark vertical bars, while its wings and back are a darker grey.
• Facial Disc: One of the owl’s most striking features is its large, rounded facial disc, which is grey with concentric rings of lighter and darker feathers. This disc is not merely for show; it plays a crucial role in directing sound towards its ears, enhancing the bird’s already remarkable hearing.
• Eyes and Beak: The Lapp-Owl has relatively small, piercing yellow eyes set in its broad facial disc, giving it an intense, inquisitive expression. Its beak is yellowish and relatively small compared to other raptors.
• Tail: It has a long tail, often described as wedge-shaped, which it uses for manoeuvrability during flight through dense forests.

Habitat:

The Lapp-Owl is typically found in the northern coniferous forests, particularly in areas with a mixture of dense woodland and open spaces. It prefers the taiga biome, often residing in forests dominated by spruce, fir, or pine, though it may also be found in deciduous woodlands. During winter months, when food becomes scarce, some individuals may move further south.

Behaviour and Hunting:

• Diet: This owl feeds primarily on small mammals, especially voles and lemmings, which make up the bulk of its diet. It is a sit-and-wait predator, relying on its exceptional hearing to detect prey moving beneath snow or in thick undergrowth. It can locate prey purely by sound, even when hidden beneath deep snow, thanks to its facial disc, which helps amplify sounds.
• Hunting Style: The Lapp-Owl is known for its silent flight, an adaptation provided by its soft, fringed feathers. This allows it to approach prey undetected. Although it is not as strong as other raptors, its patience and precision make it an effective hunter. It swoops down from a perch to snatch prey with its talons, although these talons are relatively weak compared to owls of similar size.

Breeding and Nesting:

• Nesting: The Lapp-Owl does not build its own nests but typically reuses abandoned nests of other large birds such as hawks, eagles, or ravens. It may also nest on broken tree stumps or in natural tree cavities.
• Reproduction: Breeding usually occurs in late winter or early spring, depending on the abundance of food. The female typically lays 2 to 5 eggs, which she incubates while the male provides food. The eggs hatch after about 30 days, and the chicks fledge after 3 to 4 weeks, although they remain dependent on their parents for several more months.

Vocalisation:

The Lapp-Owl is not especially vocal, but its calls can be haunting and low-pitched. The male’s territorial call is a series of resonant, rhythmic hoots, which can carry over long distances, especially in the quiet of a snowy forest. Females and young owls may also produce whines, shrieks, or soft chattering sounds.

Conservation Status:

While not globally threatened, the Lapp-Owl’s population is vulnerable to fluctuations in prey abundance, particularly vole populations, which can dramatically affect breeding success. Habitat loss due to logging and other human activities also poses a threat in certain regions. Nonetheless, due to its wide range and adaptation to remote habitats, it is currently listed as a species of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Interesting Facts:

• The Lapp-Owl has asymmetrical ear openings, with one ear positioned higher than the other. This arrangement allows it to precisely triangulate the location of sounds in three-dimensional space.
• It is often referred to as the “Phantom of the North” due to its ghostly appearance and silent, ethereal flight through northern forests.

Overall, the Lapp-Owl is an iconic species of the northern wilderness, embodying the stillness and stealth of its habitat, where it reigns as one of the most elusive and majestic birds of prey.

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.

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