Owl in Flight (attributed), G. Gingerich (active c.1970s–1980s), c.1978 offset lithograph, 25×30 in, hand-signed in plate, edition 403/744 wildlife print.
A striking late-1970s wildlife print depicting a barn owl descending with wings fully extended against a dramatic sunset sky. This limited edition offset lithograph is plate-signed “Gingerich” and numbered 403/744. The composition blends naturalistic ornithological detail with decorative design, reflecting the wildlife art movement popular in North America during the 1970s and early 1980s. Sourced from the historic Mitch Morse Gallery network, the work exemplifies the commercial wildlife print editions widely collected during the era.
Artwork Description
This dramatic image presents a barn owl captured in the instant before landing, wings raised and feathers fanned outward in a symmetrical display of motion and balance. The artist constructs the bird with meticulous attention to feather structure, layering each wing segment with fine linear hatch patterns that simulate the subtle textures of plumage. The central face disc—an identifying feature of the barn owl—is rendered with luminous whites and soft tonal transitions, creating a striking focal point amid the warm tonal palette.
The background consists of a gradient sunset sky moving from deep burnt orange to lighter amber hues. This atmospheric field creates strong visual contrast with the bird’s layered wings and gives the composition an almost heraldic presence. The symmetry of the wings and the geometric repetition of feather shapes reveal a stylistic approach that blends wildlife illustration with the graphic sensibilities of late-20th-century print design.
The print is an offset lithograph produced after the artist’s original drawing or painting, a common publishing method used by galleries and distributors to produce larger collectible editions. This example is annotated 403/744 and bears the plate signature “Gingerich,” along with the date range “77–80,” suggesting the original artwork was produced during that period before reproduction.
Wildlife art experienced significant popularity during the 1970s and 1980s as collectors embraced nature-themed imagery reflecting environmental awareness and appreciation for North American fauna. Works depicting raptors and owls were particularly sought after due to their symbolic associations with wisdom, mystery, and nocturnal power. The stylized yet naturalistic treatment seen here reflects that era’s blend of scientific observation and decorative visual impact.
The work was distributed through Mitch Morse Gallery, a New York–based publisher and dealer active in the late twentieth century known for representing international artists and producing collectible print editions. The piece remains an evocative example of period wildlife illustration translated into the accessible format of limited edition printmaking.
Artist Biography
The artist identified by the signature “Gingerich” appears to have been active during the late 1970s and early 1980s, producing wildlife imagery that circulated through gallery and publisher networks such as Mitch Morse Gallery and its associated distribution channels. While full biographical documentation for the artist remains limited in public archives, the surviving works attributed to this signature demonstrate a consistent focus on birds of prey and wildlife subjects rendered with detailed feather structures and strong graphic composition.
The artistic style seen in these prints reflects the broader wildlife art movement that gained momentum across North America in the 1960s and 1970s. During this period, artists frequently combined field observation with design-driven composition, producing works that were both naturalistic studies and decorative prints suitable for collectors and interior display. Owls, hawks, and other raptors were particularly favored subjects due to their dramatic wing forms and symbolic associations.
The works attributed to Gingerich exhibit a careful balance between realism and stylization. Feather patterns are often constructed with repetitive linear hatching and layered forms, creating a rhythmic visual structure that emphasizes the geometry of the wings. This technique echoes both traditional natural history illustration and the graphic design aesthetics emerging in print media during the late twentieth century.
Many wildlife artists of this era worked with galleries or publishers who translated original drawings or paintings into offset lithographs and other print formats. These editions allowed collectors to acquire signed and numbered works at accessible prices while preserving the artist’s composition and signature. Mitch Morse Gallery, active in New York and internationally during this period, was known for publishing and distributing such works.
Although the artist’s full catalogue has yet to be comprehensively documented, the surviving prints indicate an artist deeply engaged with avian anatomy and the visual drama of flight. The owl image represented here exemplifies this approach, capturing both the physical precision of the bird’s structure and the symbolic power that owls have long held in art and folklore.
As of 2026, works bearing the Gingerich signature remain collectible examples of late-twentieth-century wildlife printmaking and are valued for their striking imagery, period aesthetic, and connection to the broader wildlife art movement that shaped popular collecting during the era.
Attributed G. Gingerich (active late 20th century)
Owl in Flight, c.1978
Offset lithograph in colors on paper
Plate-signed “Gingerich” and dated 77–80
Numbered 403/744
Sheet size: 25 × 30 inches
Provenance: Mitch Morse Gallery distribution
Condition: Very good vintage condition.
Certificate of Authentication
Title: Owl in Flight (attributed)
Artist: G. Gingerich (active c.1970s–1980s)
Medium: Offset lithograph on paper
Edition: 403/744
Signature: Plate-signed “Gingerich”
Dimensions: 25 × 30 inches
This work has been examined and catalogued by Artfind Gallery, Washington DC. The print is consistent with late-1970s wildlife print editions distributed through Mitch Morse Gallery.
Current Owner: Artfind Gallery, Washington DC
Condition
Very good vintage condition. Colors remain strong and vibrant with minor age-appropriate surface handling typical of late-1970s offset lithographs. No major structural damage observed.
Provenance
Mitch Morse Gallery, New York / international distribution
Acquired through Mitch Morse Gallery network in New York, United States and Europe
Artfind Gallery, Washington DC (current owner)
Owl in Flight (attributed), G. Gingerich (active c.1970s–1980s), c.1978 offset lithograph, 25×30 in, hand-signed in plate, edition 403/744 wildlife print.
A striking late-1970s wildlife print depicting a barn owl descending with wings fully extended against a dramatic sunset sky. This limited edition offset lithograph is plate-signed “Gingerich” and numbered 403/744. The composition blends naturalistic ornithological detail with decorative design, reflecting the wildlife art movement popular in North America during the 1970s and early 1980s. Sourced from the historic Mitch Morse Gallery network, the work exemplifies the commercial wildlife print editions widely collected during the era.
Artwork Description
This dramatic image presents a barn owl captured in the instant before landing, wings raised and feathers fanned outward in a symmetrical display of motion and balance. The artist constructs the bird with meticulous attention to feather structure, layering each wing segment with fine linear hatch patterns that simulate the subtle textures of plumage. The central face disc—an identifying feature of the barn owl—is rendered with luminous whites and soft tonal transitions, creating a striking focal point amid the warm tonal palette.
The background consists of a gradient sunset sky moving from deep burnt orange to lighter amber hues. This atmospheric field creates strong visual contrast with the bird’s layered wings and gives the composition an almost heraldic presence. The symmetry of the wings and the geometric repetition of feather shapes reveal a stylistic approach that blends wildlife illustration with the graphic sensibilities of late-20th-century print design.
The print is an offset lithograph produced after the artist’s original drawing or painting, a common publishing method used by galleries and distributors to produce larger collectible editions. This example is annotated 403/744 and bears the plate signature “Gingerich,” along with the date range “77–80,” suggesting the original artwork was produced during that period before reproduction.
Wildlife art experienced significant popularity during the 1970s and 1980s as collectors embraced nature-themed imagery reflecting environmental awareness and appreciation for North American fauna. Works depicting raptors and owls were particularly sought after due to their symbolic associations with wisdom, mystery, and nocturnal power. The stylized yet naturalistic treatment seen here reflects that era’s blend of scientific observation and decorative visual impact.
The work was distributed through Mitch Morse Gallery, a New York–based publisher and dealer active in the late twentieth century known for representing international artists and producing collectible print editions. The piece remains an evocative example of period wildlife illustration translated into the accessible format of limited edition printmaking.
Artist Biography
The artist identified by the signature “Gingerich” appears to have been active during the late 1970s and early 1980s, producing wildlife imagery that circulated through gallery and publisher networks such as Mitch Morse Gallery and its associated distribution channels. While full biographical documentation for the artist remains limited in public archives, the surviving works attributed to this signature demonstrate a consistent focus on birds of prey and wildlife subjects rendered with detailed feather structures and strong graphic composition.
The artistic style seen in these prints reflects the broader wildlife art movement that gained momentum across North America in the 1960s and 1970s. During this period, artists frequently combined field observation with design-driven composition, producing works that were both naturalistic studies and decorative prints suitable for collectors and interior display. Owls, hawks, and other raptors were particularly favored subjects due to their dramatic wing forms and symbolic associations.
The works attributed to Gingerich exhibit a careful balance between realism and stylization. Feather patterns are often constructed with repetitive linear hatching and layered forms, creating a rhythmic visual structure that emphasizes the geometry of the wings. This technique echoes both traditional natural history illustration and the graphic design aesthetics emerging in print media during the late twentieth century.
Many wildlife artists of this era worked with galleries or publishers who translated original drawings or paintings into offset lithographs and other print formats. These editions allowed collectors to acquire signed and numbered works at accessible prices while preserving the artist’s composition and signature. Mitch Morse Gallery, active in New York and internationally during this period, was known for publishing and distributing such works.
Although the artist’s full catalogue has yet to be comprehensively documented, the surviving prints indicate an artist deeply engaged with avian anatomy and the visual drama of flight. The owl image represented here exemplifies this approach, capturing both the physical precision of the bird’s structure and the symbolic power that owls have long held in art and folklore.
As of 2026, works bearing the Gingerich signature remain collectible examples of late-twentieth-century wildlife printmaking and are valued for their striking imagery, period aesthetic, and connection to the broader wildlife art movement that shaped popular collecting during the era.
Attributed G. Gingerich (active late 20th century)
Owl in Flight, c.1978
Offset lithograph in colors on paper
Plate-signed “Gingerich” and dated 77–80
Numbered 403/744
Sheet size: 25 × 30 inches
Provenance: Mitch Morse Gallery distribution
Condition: Very good vintage condition.
Certificate of Authentication
Title: Owl in Flight (attributed)
Artist: G. Gingerich (active c.1970s–1980s)
Medium: Offset lithograph on paper
Edition: 403/744
Signature: Plate-signed “Gingerich”
Dimensions: 25 × 30 inches
This work has been examined and catalogued by Artfind Gallery, Washington DC. The print is consistent with late-1970s wildlife print editions distributed through Mitch Morse Gallery.
Current Owner: Artfind Gallery, Washington DC
Condition
Very good vintage condition. Colors remain strong and vibrant with minor age-appropriate surface handling typical of late-1970s offset lithographs. No major structural damage observed.
Provenance
Mitch Morse Gallery, New York / international distribution
Acquired through Mitch Morse Gallery network in New York, United States and Europe
Artfind Gallery, Washington DC (current owner)
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