Broedende eend 1785 - 1837

Ernst Willem Jan Bagelaar made this drawing of a brooding duck using pen in brown ink, with a brush in gray. This isn't just a quick sketch; it's a carefully observed study, and there's a lot to unpack when you consider the materials. The choice of pen and brush, using diluted ink, allows for a wide range of tonal values. Look closely, and you'll notice the hatching that gives the duck's plumage volume and texture, and the way Bagelaar uses light and shadow to suggest the soft feathers of the nest. This wasn't mere observation for its own sake. It was part of a long tradition of naturalistic study, which intensified during the Enlightenment. Artists believed that close examination of the natural world could reveal deeper truths about the universe, which in turn fuelled new scientific discoveries. So, the next time you look at a drawing like this, remember that it’s not just a pretty picture. It’s a record of careful labor and attention, with the artist using the simplest of means to render the beauty of the natural world.