Birds near a Mountain Stream by Herman Henstenburgh

Birds near a Mountain Stream c. 1683 - 1726

hermanhenstenburgh

water colours

pastel soft colours

muted colour palette

white palette

natural colour palette

watercolour bleed

watercolour illustration

natural palette

soft colour palette

watercolor

Herman Henstenburgh's "Birds near a Mountain Stream," a watercolor painting dated c. 1683 - 1726, depicts a serene landscape with a winding river, verdant foliage, and a small cottage nestled against a rocky hillside. The artist's attention to detail is evident in the various bird species depicted in the foreground, including a vibrant pink flamingo, a blue heron, and several ducks, adding a touch of realism and charm to the scene. This Dutch Baroque artwork captures the tranquility of nature and serves as a testament to Henstenburgh's mastery of watercolor and his talent for portraying the delicate beauty of the natural world.

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rijksmuseum over 1 year ago

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In this imaginary landscape, Hoorn native Herman Henstenburgh combined various bird species, such as the roseate spoonbill from North America and the stork found in Europe and North Africa. In the 17th century the port of Hoorn was an important base for the Dutch East (VOC) and West India (WIC) Trading Companies. The artist will thus have had plenty of opportunities to study the exotic species that Dutch merchants brought back to the harbour from distant lands.