Drie pauwen 1675 - 1711

Pieter Schenk’s etching of *Three Peacocks* presents a study in contrasts, rendered in fine lines on a small scale. The composition is divided between the detailed foreground where the birds stand, and a sketched background of rolling hills and sky. The peacocks themselves are meticulously etched, their bodies displaying a rich texture achieved through dense, parallel lines. Schenk plays with the viewer’s perception, drawing attention to the symbolic qualities of the birds. The etching technique captures the luminosity of their feathers through the interplay of light and shadow. The subtle gradation of tones suggests the artist’s intent to not just represent but to also evoke the sensory experience of seeing these animals in their natural environment. Notice how Schenk uses the contrast between the detailed texture of the peacocks and the more loosely defined background to create depth. This formal approach to space and form transcends mere depiction, inviting a deeper engagement with the natural world.