De struisvogel 1894 - 1959

Here's an illustration of an ostrich by Gordinne, though I don't know exactly when. It's made with, what looks like, quite precise line work and soft, muted colors. Imagine the artist with their materials—maybe pencils or fine brushes—slowly building up the form through careful observation and subtle shading. I sympathize with Gordinne, trying to capture the essence of this magnificent bird. What might they have been thinking about as they worked? Perhaps they were considering its awkward grace, its strange mix of power and vulnerability. The tan of the body, the white plumes – the artist’s hand brings them to life. There is a real sense of care in the rendering. It makes me think about the long history of artists depicting animals, each adding their own unique perspective. Artists, like birds, are constantly migrating, sharing their skills and inspiring one another. Each mark, each color choice, carries a little piece of that conversation.