Bird of Paradise Possibly 1785

"Bird of Paradise" (ca. 1785) is a watercolor by Dutch artist Jan Brandes (1743-1808). This small-scale work depicts a bird of paradise perched on a branch with its long, flowing tail feathers extending to the right of the composition. The painting is characteristic of Brandes's work, which often focused on natural history subjects, particularly birds. The artist's meticulous detail and accurate representation of the bird's plumage is evident in the work, showcasing the beauty and uniqueness of this exotic species. The inscription at the bottom of the page in Dutch, "Paradisea apoda", is a testament to the scientific and artistic curiosity surrounding the natural world during this period.