Zweedse vogels Possibly 1790 - 1792

Jan Brandes made this watercolor drawing, entitled ‘Swedish Birds’, sometime around 1790. In this image, we see Brandes' meticulous rendering of two birds perched side-by-side. During the late 18th century, a growing interest in natural history fueled a demand for detailed illustrations of flora and fauna. This interest also reflected broader intellectual and social trends. The Enlightenment emphasized empirical observation and scientific classification, while colonialism expanded European access to exotic species. Brandes, as a clergyman and artist, engaged with these trends through his art. The care he takes in depicting each feather suggests a desire to document the natural world accurately. Yet, the composition also reveals an aesthetic sensibility, transforming scientific observation into a work of art. By studying his techniques, the source of his paints and the patronage for his art, we can better understand the complex interplay between science, art, and society in the late 18th century.