Dode meerkoet 1649 - 1709

Rochus van Veen made this drawing of a dead moorhen in the late 17th century. During this period in the Netherlands, there was a growing interest in the natural world. It coincided with a rise in scientific inquiry and exploration. But I see more than just scientific interest in this image. There's a poignancy here, a stark look at mortality. Consider the place of animals in Dutch society at this time. As symbols, they often carried complex meanings related to wealth, status, and the natural order. Van Veen's choice to depict the moorhen in such detail invites us to contemplate its intrinsic value, and perhaps, our own relationship to life and death. The moorhen's limp form is a reminder of the fragility inherent in all living things. This quiet depiction evokes a sense of empathy, blurring the lines between observer and observed.