In "Athena’s Owl", Ortaire de Coupigny masterfully blends engraving on transparent epoxy with delicate washes of color to create a dreamlike forest scene filled with symbolism. At the heart of the composition, an owl glides silently through the air, its wings outstretched as it moves toward the viewer—an unmistakable emblem of wisdom, foresight, and mystery.
The owl’s presence evokes the ancient connection between the bird and the Greek goddess Athena, the deity of wisdom, strategy, and protection. In classical mythology, the little owl (Athene noctua) was Athena’s sacred companion, symbolizing her ability to see through deception, uncover hidden truths, and guide those in search of knowledge. The Greeks believed that the owl’s nocturnal vision mirrored Athena’s gift of insight, allowing her to perceive what others could not. This association became so strong that the Athenian tetradrachm, one of the most famous ancient coins, featured an owl as a symbol of intelligence and divine protection.
Ortaire de Coupigny’s engraved transparency technique, developed through years of experimentation, enhances this thematic depth. The layered textures of vegetation, tree trunks, and scattered rocks immerse the viewer in a scene that feels at once timeless and ephemeral, much like the mythological wisdom that the owl represents. The rounded edges of the panel add an archival quality, as if capturing an ancient vision preserved in modern form. Deep shades of blue and green, combined with the subtle interplay of light and shadow, reinforce the sense of an enchanted moment—a fleeting glimpse into a world where nature and mythology intertwine.
A striking blend of sculptural engraving, painting, and conceptual storytelling, Athena’s Owl is a compelling addition for collectors drawn to symbolism in art, contemporary interpretations of mythology, and the evocative power of transparency in modern techniques.
"Athena's Owl" by Ortaire de Coupigny
One-of-a-kind artwork.
Size : 32 cm X 32 cm
Ready to hang.
2023
Engraved in transparent epoxy and painted with little touch of colors, animals, plants or rocks appear in a mysterious light. After years of practice and research on transparency, Ortaire de Coupigny created this unique technique.
