Sonnerat's hoen 1763 - 1824

This is François Levaillant's "Sonnerat's hoen," an undated print now held at the Rijksmuseum. Levaillant was a French ornithologist and explorer, and his depictions of birds are far from objective records. Born in Suriname, Levaillant's identity as a person of color in 18th-century France significantly shaped his perspective. His works inhabit a space between scientific observation and personal expression. During this period, scientific illustrations often served colonial interests, cataloging and claiming the natural world. Levaillant, however, imbued his subjects with a sense of individuality, challenging the dehumanizing gaze often associated with colonial science. Consider the rooster's stance. It's not merely a specimen; it exudes a quiet dignity. Levaillant invites us to contemplate the intricate beauty and inherent worth of this creature. The emotional depth in his work encourages us to reflect on the politics of seeing and the power of representation.