Onderscheidene vogelen / Différents oiseaux 1866 - 1902

Franciscus Antonius Beersmans created this print, "Onderscheidene vogelen / Différents oiseaux," during the height of European colonialism. At first glance, it presents a seemingly neutral display of various bird species. Yet, these images reflect a period when the natural world was being cataloged and often exploited through the lens of European dominance. Beersmans, situated within a society deeply involved in exploration and exploitation, created a work that subtly reflects this relationship with the natural world. The act of categorizing these birds, many of which would have been exotic to European audiences, speaks to the impulse to organize and control the unfamiliar. The colonial gaze is present, framing nature as something to be observed, classified, and ultimately possessed. This print, beyond its aesthetic appeal, offers a glimpse into the historical context that shaped its creation, inviting us to consider the power dynamics inherent in the representation of the natural world.