Marailsjakohoen (Penelope marail) 1759 - 1842

Pieter Pietersz. Barbiers created this image of a Penelope marail using pencil and watercolor. These are traditional art materials, but it's fascinating to consider why he chose them for this particular subject. The watercolor technique lends itself well to capturing the subtle gradations of color in the bird's plumage, with the pencil allowing for precise detail in the feathers and form. The artist's hand is evident in the delicate brushstrokes and the careful rendering of light and shadow. But this isn't simply a demonstration of technical skill. It also speaks to a certain way of seeing, influenced by the colonial context in which Barbiers was working. Illustrations like this were often commissioned by wealthy patrons interested in documenting the natural world, fueled by colonial expansion and trade. The labor involved in creating these images—the meticulous observation, the skilled execution—was often in service of these broader social and economic forces. Considering the materials, the making, and the context helps us understand the full meaning of this artwork, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.