Watervogels 1675 - 1711

Curator: Pieter Schenk, active between 1675 and 1711, crafted this intriguing print titled "Watervogels," currently held at the Rijksmuseum. Editor: It’s the monochromatic palette and starkness that really hits you. An austere gathering by the water’s edge. The scene feels almost melancholic. Curator: Considering the socio-political context of the late 17th century in the Dutch Republic, we see a burgeoning interest in the natural world. These images of water birds reflect not only scientific observation, but also broader notions of land ownership, human interaction with natural spaces, and of course trade. It's no coincidence the period birthed the early environmental movement. Editor: The etching emphasizes form—observe the lines articulating each bird's plumage and the meticulous details creating the reeds and water. Look at how their various orientations create rhythm; that bird looking upward, its long neck creating an arch...and the other birds mirrored, diving. Curator: The depiction of these creatures cannot be isolated from contemporary social hierarchies. The availability of leisure activities such as observing and documenting birds—was largely dictated by one's class. Prints like this made glimpses into that world available to a broader audience, thus making visible power dynamics inherent in landscape imagery. Editor: It's all meticulously constructed; there’s nothing haphazard. And while that control conveys mastery, a certain rigidity sets in that keeps us at a distance. Curator: But does this restraint negate any emotionality? Consider that human interference in natural habitats was of great concern during the baroque period, which is highlighted here, as these particular birds are shown together with minimal intervention to the ecosystem in order to thrive. Editor: Ultimately, whether melancholy or not, I still appreciate how Schenk employed the very nature of line and tone to show us these Watervogels within this formal pictorial space. Curator: I’ll definitely leave here pondering on accessibility and environment during a pivotal shift in humanity's understanding of nature's fragility.