Standing Heron and Two Perched Birds; verso: blank c. 18th century

Editor: Jean-Baptiste Oudry's "Standing Heron and Two Perched Birds"—a fanciful study of avians—captures my attention immediately. I wonder about the artist's intention. What's your take on it? Curator: It's a whimsical dance, isn't it? Oudry seems to be playing with form and color, almost as if he's inventing birds rather than simply depicting them. Do you see the dreaminess in his line work? Editor: Yes, it feels like a lovely dream now that you mention it! Curator: Exactly! He's transforming the natural world into something altogether more imaginative, more personal. It’s less ornithology, more poetry. Editor: I never thought of it that way, but I see that now. Thanks!