Symbolically, the owl has been a herald of wisdom and change across various cultures. In Greek mythology, owls are associated with Athena, the goddess of wisdom and warfare, symbolizing knowledge and protection. Historically, owls have been revered by Native American tribes, often thought to carry the souls of the departed and serve as messengers from the spiritual world. The great horned owl in particular, known for its formidable hunting prowess and haunting call, evokes a sense of nocturnal mystery and power.

The background features a vintage motif, contrasted against the lavender backdrop. The design serves to frame the owl in a sophisticated manner, as well as introduce a 2-dimensional element. The juxtaposition of the realistic owl with this element creates an intriguing visual dialogue, blending realism with artistic ornamentation.

This piece is part of a series of bird and animal portraits, in a setting  with distant landscape, making reference to Renaissance paintings.