Artwork

Two owls fighting over a rat

Two owls fighting over a rat, by Hans Georg Müller, oil, 1691
Two owls fighting over a rat, by Hans Georg Müller, oil, 1691

Two owls fighting over a rat is an oil painting by Hans Georg Müller. It dates from 1691 and is held in the collection of the Nationalmuseum.

About this work

Overview

Hans Georg Müller's c. 1691 oil painting, 'Two owls fighting over a rat', is a dramatic depiction of a nocturnal struggle, now part of the Nationalmuseum's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The painting illustrates a fierce confrontation between two owls and a rat, with the animal subjects potentially serving as an allegorical representation of conflict or predation.

Technique & Style

Müller employed chiaroscuro to create deep shadows and highlights, using the dark plumage of the owls and the dark background to contrast with the rat's lighter fur and the owls' luminous eyes.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1691, the work is attributed to Hans Georg Müller and is currently held in the collection of the Nationalmuseum.

Artist & collection

Nationalmuseum

Museum

Nationalmuseum

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Nationalmuseum open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.