Speelkaart met zes papegaaien 1470 - 1500

This is ‘Speelkaart met zes papegaaien’ (Playing Card with Six Parrots) by Meester PW van Keulen. The composition consists of six parrots arranged in a circle, meticulously drawn with fine lines. The circular format is striking, and the parrots, each in a different pose, create a sense of dynamic movement within the frame. The artist plays with symmetry and asymmetry. While the parrots are evenly distributed around the circle, their individual gestures disrupt any rigid symmetry, introducing an element of playful irregularity. The lines are precise, rendering the texture of the birds’ feathers with remarkable detail. Within this structural arrangement, we might also consider the semiotic implications. The circle itself can symbolize unity or containment, while the parrots, often associated with mimicry and exoticism, introduce themes of representation and cultural exchange. This interplay suggests a complex commentary on both naturalism and artifice. Art remains a dynamic field of evolving interpretations, highlighting the importance of sustained critical engagement.