Jan Mankes - Large Owl on a Screen

A barn owl stares intently at you from a gold-leather fireplace screen. This owl was a gift from Pauwels, a cigar merchant from The Hague who regularly provided Mankes with study material. The bird was sent by post – alive – and Mankes was delighted with it. This owl appears in several of Mankes' works. He observed the animal endlessly until he knew every detail by heart. Eventually, he asked Pauwels to stop sending him owls: “the subjects are in the painter, never outside him”. This painting from 1913 is the result of that intense observation – a portrait of stoic calm and mysterious beauty. Museum MORE owns this iconic work and is now opening its doors for the first time for an exclusive collaboration. These socks literally bring Mankes' favourite bird to life on your feet. Premium quality: 80% cotton, 15% polyamide, 5% elastane Produced in Europe (Istanbul) Reinforced heel and toe for extra durability Exclusive Museum MORE x Kunstsokken collection