Pauwen en kalkoenen 1675 - 1711

Pieter Schenk created this etching of peacocks and turkeys around 1700. The composition centres on the arrangement of the birds. Note how the artist used light and shadow to give shape and volume to each bird, creating texture that draws the eye across the scene. Schenk uses line and form to create a sense of depth and space. The birds are tightly packed, yet each retains its individuality through subtle variations in posture and feather detail. The background, a simple landscape, is sketched in with minimal lines, yet it adds to the spatial depth. The linear marks and the layering of forms create a sense of movement, making the scene appear dynamic. The etching technique itself—the precision of line—encourages us to look closely. Consider the meticulous depiction of the feathers; each bird seems to have its own distinct personality. Ultimately, the visual richness invites ongoing appreciation and questioning.