Susemihl's Teutsche Ornithologie - Short-eared Owl

Large original 19th century old master drawing and watercolor on paper of a Short-eared Owl after Susemihl's Teutsche Ornithologie 

330 mm x 235 mm

(*Asio flammeus*, formerly often listed as *Strix palustris* or *Strix brachyotos).*

The illustration shows a medium-sized owl perched on a dark, textured branch, viewed from a slightly three-quarter angle facing the viewer. 

Inscription
-"Strix palustris, / brachyotos / ?."
"Deutsche Ornithologie."
Signature**: "E. G. F. fec."  in the bottom right,

This drawing is after **Johann Conrad Susemihl’s *Teutsche Ornithologie* (German Ornithology)**, a multi-volume work from the early 19th century (primarily 1800s–1817) featuring high-quality, hand-colored engravings of German birds. It was a major German contribution to scientific ornithological illustration, aiming for lifelike accuracy.

The Short-eared Owl is a widespread species often associated with open marshes, grasslands, and tundra, known for its daytime hunting habits and distinctive "moth-like" flight. This classic illustration captures its cryptic plumage beautifully. The page number "52" in the top right suggests it's from a bound volume. 

A lovely example of early scientific natural history art!