Pelikanen 1821 - 1891

Guillaume Anne van der Brugghen made this pencil drawing titled, "Pelikanen," during the 19th century. Van der Brugghen was part of a generation of artists who saw the world changing rapidly due to industrialization and urbanization. As we observe the delicate lines that capture the pelicans' form, we might consider how such drawings allowed artists to intimately connect with the natural world. What we see here is not just observation but an attempt to understand and capture something essential about these creatures. Are these pelicans captured as symbols of a changing world, or do they offer us a narrative about the relationship between humanity and nature during an era of profound transformation? The emotional resonance of this piece lies in its simple yet compelling portrayal of life, inviting us to reflect on our relationship with the natural world.