Birds from Ambon Possibly 1784

"Birds from Ambon" is a watercolor painting by Jan Brandes, a Dutch painter and naturalist, dated possibly 1784. The painting depicts a variety of birds native to Ambon, an island in Indonesia. Brandes's meticulous attention to detail and use of vibrant colors bring the birds to life. The painting reflects the increasing interest in natural history during the Enlightenment and showcases the diversity of the natural world. The small size of the artwork, measuring 195 mm by 155 mm, suggests it was likely part of a larger collection of natural history illustrations. "Birds from Ambon" exemplifies Brandes's talent for scientific illustration and contributes to a deeper understanding of avian diversity in the region.