A. Mateos N. — Red Sky Owl over Hilltown Original Painting on Panel

A storybook city lifts a forest of towers into a red sky while an owl sails above—graphic, whimsical, a little mysterious. The crisp linework, patterned roofs, and flat color fields read beautifully from across the room; up close you catch brush sweeps in the teal ground and the hand in the details. Signed “A. Mateos N.” at lower left.

A charming original that blends graphic illustration with architectural fantasy: a patterned hilltown under a red sky, crowned by a watchful owl. Signed A. Mateos N. at lower left. Crisp linework and patterned roofs give it a storybook modern feel that works in entryways, playrooms, and eclectic living spaces. Panel construction; very good overall with light edge rubs.

 

Specifications

• Maker: A. Mateos N.
• Type: Painting (panel)
• Materials: Paint on board (likely acrylic/tempera)
• Height: ~36 in (est.)
• Width: ~24 in (est.)
• Depth: ~1 in (panel est.)
• Condition: Very good overall; minor edge rubs from handling
• Marks: Signed “A. Mateos N.”
• Provenance: Private collection
• Era: Late 20th century
• SKU: GCT-ART-AMAT-OWL-001
• Style: Folk/Modern Graphic; capriccio (architectural fantasy)
• Pattern / Collection: Owl & Hilltown

Owls have signaled wisdom since antiquity—the bird of Athena/Minerva on Athenian coins—so a flying owl reads as guardian and guide. The fanciful city beneath fits the capriccio tradition: artists mixing real and imagined buildings for dreamlike skylines. It’s a classical recipe for wonder in a modern palette.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Owl_of_Athena
https://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/essay/the-owls-of-athena-some-comments-on-owl-skyphoi-and-their-iconograph
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capriccio_(art)
https://www.rct.uk/collection/themes/exhibitions/canaletto-and-the-art-of-venice/the-queens-gallery-palace-of/the-capriccio