The Death Of Julius Caesar. Attributed To Lancelot Speed, British Artist, Circa 1900s Mixed Media Ink And Gouache And Wash Painting. FramedLANCELOT SPEED BRITISH ILLUSTRATION GOUACHE PAINTING. The Death Of Julius Caesar. Attributed to Lancelot Speed, British, 1860 to 1931, mixed media, ink and gouache and wash, painting. Framed. Most probably a primary sketch for a larger panel.Lancelot Speed was a coastal painter and a British illustrator of books in the Victorian era, usually of a fantastical or romantic nature. He is probably most well known for his illustrations for Andrew Lang's fairy story books. Speed had no formal art training, but became an illustrator working primarily in black and white. Process engraving particularly suited his fine lines, and he was one of the earlier illustrators to benefit from the new technology. One of a kind artwork.Dimensions Frame 35.5 x 25.25 inches, Plate 29.75 x 19.25 inches / HEAVY / All measurements are approximate / Overall Good Vintage Condition. Signs Of Wear And Age. Lost Paint areas. Refer To Photos. Sold As Is. Provenance, N.S. Art&Trade Collections, NYC.Eason, Cassandra (2008). Fabulous Creatures, Mythical Monsters, and Animal Power Symbols: A Handbook. Westport, CT, USA: Greenwood Publishing Group. p. 71. ISBN 9780275994259."The Roman goddess of wisdom Minerva has the owl as her sacred creature, as does her ancient Greek counterpart Athena. Athena was often depicted with an owl, which was considered a symbol of wisdom in both cultures. The best known image of Athena's owl, the Little Owl, is seen on ancient Athenian coins dating from the fifth century BCE. To the Romans an owl feather placed near sleeping people would prompt them to speak in their sleep and reveal their secrets. However, in Rome the owl was considered a harbinger of death if it perched on a roof or on a public building and hooted. The deaths of several Roman emperors, including the assassination of Julius Caesar, were signaled by an owl landing on the roof and hooting."