Southern Little Owl – Athene glaux – Original Hand-Coloured Lithograph

Engraver: John Gerrard Keulemans
Publisher: L’Imprimerie Nationale
Price: £65
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 001870

Southern Little Owl: A Brief Description

The southern little owl (Athene glaux) is an older scientific name for what is now commonly referred to as the little owl (Athene noctua). The little owl is a small owl species native to parts of Europe, Asia, and North Africa.

• Appearance: The little owl is small and stocky, with a rounded head and no ear tufts. It has piercing yellow eyes, giving it an alert and expressive look. Its plumage is mottled brown and white, with a pale face and white “eyebrows” above its eyes, which enhance its sharp gaze. The underparts are usually pale with dark streaks.
• Size: The little owl is one of the smaller owl species, measuring about 21–23 cm in length, with a wingspan of 54–58 cm. It weighs around 150–200 grams. Despite its small size, it has a robust, compact body and short tail.
• Habitat: Little owls are often found in open countryside, farmland, orchards, and areas with scattered trees. They prefer habitats that provide perching spots like trees, fence posts, or rocks and need cavities for nesting. They are not shy of human settlements and are frequently seen near villages and rural areas.
• Diet: Little owls are opportunistic hunters and feed on a variety of prey, including insects (especially beetles and grasshoppers), small mammals, birds, and amphibians. They hunt mostly from a perch, swooping down to catch their prey on the ground. They are active both day and night but are most active at dawn and dusk.
• Behaviour: These owls are territorial and often seen during the day, perched in plain sight on rocks, fence posts, or rooftops. They are known for their bobbing and bowing behaviours when agitated or curious. Their call is a distinctive, high-pitched, repeating whistle, often heard at dusk or during the night.
• Breeding: Little owls nest in cavities, which can include tree holes, rock crevices, or even man-made structures such as barns and buildings. The female lays 3–5 eggs, which she incubates for about 28–29 days. The chicks fledge after about a month and are dependent on the parents for a few weeks before becoming fully independent.
• Conservation Status: The little owl is currently listed as “Least Concern” by the IUCN, though some populations have declined due to habitat loss, agricultural intensification, and the reduction of suitable nesting sites. Conservation efforts include the installation of nest boxes in areas where natural cavities are scarce.

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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