Kop van een koningsgier (Sarcoramphus papa) 1763 - 1824

This is François Levaillant’s “Head of a King Vulture,” made with watercolor on paper. Here, the artist used a highly skilled technique, layering thin washes of pigment to mimic the subtle gradations of the vulture’s plumage. Look closely and you'll see how each stroke contributes to the overall realism, capturing the texture and form of the bird's head. The precision in the drawing highlights the artist's observational skills, honed from time spent in the field. Beyond its aesthetic qualities, this piece reflects the broader social context of scientific exploration and documentation during the Enlightenment. Such detailed illustrations were crucial for disseminating knowledge about the natural world, contributing to the era's encyclopedic impulse. The paper itself, a valuable commodity at the time, underscores the investment in this pursuit of knowledge. By appreciating the craft involved, we gain a deeper understanding of its cultural value.