Drie vogels: een IJsvogel, een Prins von Wied's Toekan en een Organist 1720 - 1792

Aert Schouman made this work, titled "Three Birds," using watercolor and gouache. This piece on paper exemplifies the blending of art and science characteristic of the 18th century. Schouman meticulously rendered the birds, paying close attention to the texture and color of their plumage. The artist's skill is evident in the layering of translucent washes, which create a sense of depth and volume. The level of detail suggests patient, skilled work, reflecting a tradition where artistic ability was synonymous with technical mastery and scientific observation. The choice of watercolor and gouache allowed for both precision and subtlety, mirroring the dual roles of the artist as both recorder and interpreter of the natural world. This interest in the natural world reflected the dawning of a new age of exploration and colonization, where images of exotic birds and animals were circulated in scientific and artistic circles. Ultimately, "Three Birds" challenges the conventional distinctions between art, science, and craft.