Kaapse poelvogel Possibly 1786 - 1787

Jan Brandes created this image of a black-winged stilt, or Kaapse poelvogel, as it was known in the Dutch vernacular, in the late 18th century. The image is a watercolor drawing. It's more than just a picture; it's a scientific record from a time of colonial exploration. Brandes, a clergyman and traveler for the Dutch East India Company, made this drawing during his time in South Africa. This work reflects the Dutch Republic’s global reach at the time. Note that he has meticulously measured the bird’s dimensions on the page with the kind of scientific approach typical of the Enlightenment. In fact, this image offers a glimpse into the intersection of science, colonialism, and art. Brandes, as an employee of the VOC, contributed to the natural sciences but also served colonial interests through the collection and classification of resources. To understand this drawing fully, we need to look into the archives of the VOC. Researching the social context of scientific exploration is key to understanding the complex story this artwork tells.