Skelet van een aalscholver 1735

This print of a cormorant skeleton was made by Christian Hallbaur sometime in the 18th century using etching and engraving techniques. The stark lines and precise details were achieved by cutting into a metal plate, inking it, and then pressing it onto paper. The linear quality emphasizes the bones' structure, revealing the cormorant's anatomy with scientific precision. The meticulous process highlights the importance of skilled labor in creating detailed images for study and documentation during the Enlightenment. This was a time when scientific illustration was key to advancing knowledge. The print’s monochromatic palette directs our attention to the form and texture of the skeleton itself. By focusing on the material reality of the cormorant's remains, Hallbaur blurs the boundary between art and scientific observation. The image offers insight into a specific creature and the broader pursuit of understanding the natural world through careful study and representation.