['Head of a Cockatoo', 'Head of a Parrot'] 1725 - 1792

Aert Schouman, a Dutch artist, likely made this watercolor painting of a cockatoo head sometime in the 18th century. The precise rendering of exotic animals and plants became a popular genre in Europe during this period. The Dutch Republic was then a major center for global trade and colonialism. This artwork reflects the era's increasing engagement with, and domination over, the natural world and the artist probably studied the birds within a menagerie. How does the image create meaning? The black cockatoo, native to Australia and New Guinea, would have been an unfamiliar sight to most Europeans. As such, the detailed rendering of the bird can be understood as a demonstration of Dutch global reach. To gain a deeper understanding of Schouman's work, scholars might consult period travel accounts, scientific illustrations, and colonial records. This would allow us to see how the artist's work participates in the cultural and institutional practices of his time. Ultimately, this artwork reminds us that even seemingly straightforward depictions of nature are deeply shaped by the social forces of history.