Artwork
Birds of Prey
Birds of Prey is a print by the Impressionist artist Victor Emile Prouvé. It dates from 1893 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Birds of Prey is a print featuring birds grasping human body parts, evoking fright or apprehension. It was showcased in a unique 'chamber of horrors' within a private home, alongside other unsettling works.
Subject & Meaning
The print's subject matter, birds clutching human remains, conveys a sense of macabre and dread, intentionally designed to provoke unease in viewers.
Technique & Style
While specific artistic techniques are not detailed, the print's publication in L’Estampe Originale suggests a level of technical proficiency and aesthetic appeal characteristic of the publication's high standards.
History & Provenance
Birds of Prey was published in L’Estampe Originale, a prestigious late-19th-century print journal, indicating its intended wide dissemination. It was later owned by Bonebrake, who displayed it in his custom 'chamber of horrors'.
Context
The work's display in Bonebrake's 'chamber of horrors' reflects a Victorian-era fascination with the macabre, while its publication in L’Estampe Originale highlights the print's status within late 19th-century art circles.
Artist & collection
Artist
Victor Prouvé (French pronunciation: ; 13 August 1858 – 15 February 1943) was a French painter, sculptor and engraver of the Art Nouveau École de Nancy.
