Birds of Philippines 

Curator: Up next we have, "Birds of Philippines" by John Gerrard Keulemans. It’s a chromolithograph print that seems to incorporate watercolor and colored pencil as well. We believe this dates back to the late 19th century, reflecting a period of increased ornithological study and documentation, coinciding with colonial scientific endeavors in the region. Editor: Wow, what a calm duo! I’m getting such a zen, quiet morning vibe from these birds just existing amidst the foliage. You know, the soft palette feels incredibly soothing; the colours feel so earthy! It's quite detailed. Curator: The choice of chromolithography would have allowed for a relatively mass-produced, but still visually appealing image. It was a popular method for illustrating scientific texts and reaching a wider audience than traditional hand-colored illustrations allowed. It served the purpose of scientific dissemination while aligning with aesthetic preferences of the era. Editor: Absolutely, it's that accessible yet artistic vibe, right? They're sort of caught between scientific object and an art piece... the kind of work you could lose yourself in while trying to remember where you have seen those reeds or that peculiar kind of dirt, or just remembering a very old dream! Do you think it does its scientific goals justice? It's romanticized a bit! Curator: It's crucial to understand that even supposedly objective scientific illustrations are products of their cultural and historical moment. The romanticization, as you put it, reflects broader Victorian-era sensibilities towards nature – a mix of scientific curiosity and aesthetic appreciation. However, while we find these romanticized aspects in it today, it was surely perceived as more sober when compared to its peer artworks! Editor: Interesting... Looking at it now, the composition is brilliant as a whole; those vertical lines and how one rail seems to fade slightly behind the other… The details on the bird markings versus the hazy, soft brushstrokes behind them really shows off how important these species were thought to be. I could meditate to this, really. Curator: I find it really shows us how natural history was not just about science but also about power, display, and even shaping a sense of national identity! Editor: You always bring us back down to earth! This makes me wonder, can looking at birds also make us feel at home?