Badjing of sirikatje Possibly 1784

Jan Brandes captured this watercolour of a 'Badjing of sirikatje'—a squirrel—sometime around the late 18th century. The composition is dominated by the animal's bulky form, its fur rendered with fine, almost scientific detail. The artist's intent seems less about capturing a fleeting moment and more about a study of its form and texture. The surrounding palms, rendered with delicate strokes, suggest a tropical locale, yet their flatness hints at Brandes' structural approach, focusing on the formal arrangement of shapes rather than illusionistic depth. The visual elements, like the sharp contrast between the squirrel's dark fur and its light underbelly, create a dynamic tension, underscoring the animal's presence. The use of line and wash blurs the distinction between scientific illustration and artistic expression. Ultimately, this artwork presents a structured observation of nature, where the squirrel is not merely represented but formally examined, inviting us to look beyond the surface and appreciate the intricate structures that constitute our perception of the natural world.