Bird Eating Grapes (recto); Tigress (verso) 1487 - 1564

"Bird Eating Grapes", painted by Giovanni da Udine sometime in the 16th century, is rendered in watercolor and gouache on paper. These are relatively humble materials, particularly in the context of Renaissance art. The paper support also has an irregular shape, suggesting a study or fragment, rather than a finished composition. But the appeal of this small work lies in its intimacy. You can see the hand of the artist in the delicate brushstrokes, building up layers of color to describe the soft plumage of the birds. Da Udine's attention to detail elevates the everyday, asking us to find beauty in simple observation. This was an attitude that stood apart from the high-minded ideals of the Renaissance, which often prioritised grand narratives over smaller, intimate moments of daily life. His practice demonstrates that even simple materials, combined with careful observation and skillful execution, can offer profound insight. It also challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.