Athena's Owl - Artwork by Ortaire de Coupigny
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.
Details and Dimensions
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.
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Tax & Customs Information
Art San Gallery ensures that original artworks are shipped under Harmonized Tariff Codes 9701 (paintings, drawings, pastels) and 9703 (sculptures). Some countries do not charge import duties or VAT on these items, allowing for straightforward customs clearance without additional fees. Others may apply a reduced VAT rate for original artworks. Your purchase will be correctly classified to support a smooth delivery process.
Depending on the artwork, your order may be shipped either from France or from our gallery in Japan. For customers in the European Union (EU), shipments from France generally follow standard intra-European trade rules and may involve fewer customs formalities. Shipments from Japan, however, are treated as imports and may be subject to customs duties and VAT according to your local regulations. To help you plan your order with confidence, the shipping origin is indicated on each product page.
Please note that additional customs duties and local taxes may still apply to international orders, depending on your country's regulations. These charges are beyond our control and are assessed directly by your local customs office. Since customs policies vary significantly from country to country, we recommend checking with your local customs authorities to confirm any applicable duties or taxes for artworks shipped under Tariff Codes 9701 and 9703.
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Return Policy
Return requests for original artworks (one-of-a-kind pieces) must be submitted within fourteen (14) calendar days from the date of delivery. Return requests received outside of this period will unfortunately not be accepted.
The return shipment must include the original Certificate of Authenticity provided with the order. Customers are responsible for all return shipping costs.
Refunds will be issued once the returned artwork has been received and inspected to ensure it is in its original condition.
Please note that returns cannot be accepted for any artwork that has been stretched, cropped, or otherwise altered after purchase.
If you need assistance with your return or have any questions, please feel free to contact us — we are here to help and to make the process as smooth as possible.
Shipping
We Offer Free Worldwide Shipping
Artworks and curated products are shipped via premium courier services, either from Japan or France, depending on the item's location. The shipping origin is specified on each product page.
From Japan (via EMS – Japan Post Express Mail Service or UPS)
To Japan (domestic): 1–3 business days
To Asia and Oceania: 3–6 business days
To the EU / USA / Canada: 5–7 business days
To South America / Africa: 7–14 business days
From France (via Chronopost, UPS, or equivalent express courier)
To the EU: 3–5 business days
To the USA / Canada: 5–10 business days
To Asia / Oceania: 7–10 business days
To South America / Africa: 7–14 business days
Delivery times may vary slightly due to customs clearance procedures or public holidays. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.
