Studie af to døde sangdrosler? 1753

Johanna Fosie made this study of two dead song thrushes, likely in the mid-18th century. Looking at this image, we see not only the artist's skill in capturing the delicate details of the birds' plumage but also a window into the scientific and artistic practices of her time. This watercolor wasn't merely decorative, it was likely part of a larger project of cataloging and understanding the natural world, driven by the Enlightenment's emphasis on empirical observation. Made in Denmark, this study reflects a culture deeply connected to its natural environment but also increasingly engaged in the scientific classification of it. Works like these contributed to a growing body of knowledge, often supported by institutions like universities and royal societies. Examining Fosie’s work through the lens of social and institutional history helps us to appreciate the complex interplay between art, science, and society in the 1700s.