Rijstvogel en Javaanse kwakkels Possibly 1784 - 1785

Jan Brandes created this watercolor drawing, "Rijstvogel en Javaanse kwakkels," sometime in the late 18th century. The composition features three distinct bird studies set against the aged paper of a naturalist's notebook. The delicate washes of brown, grey, and subtle reds create a textured plumage for each bird. Brandes’ approach here is intriguing. The birds are not simply depicted but are rendered with a keen eye for detail and a clear structural understanding. The contrasting textures—smooth feathers against the rough paper—engage in a visual dialogue, complicating our reading of the image. The organization of these avian forms speaks to the classificatory impulses of the period. Yet, the lack of a unifying background unsettles the viewer, challenging fixed notions. Ultimately, Brandes invites us to question how we categorize and perceive the natural world through a lens of artistic and scientific inquiry.