Studieblad met zeven kippen 1720 - 1792

This is Aert Schouman’s “Studieblad met zeven kippen” made with pen in grey ink, dating back to the 18th century. Schouman was a Dutch painter, glass engraver and is most remembered as a student of Albertus Jonas Brandt. This work provides an interesting lens through which to view the societal values of the 1700s. At the time, animal studies were popular in the decorative arts and scientific illustrations. It is interesting to consider the intersections of art, science, and social status. Were these studies a reflection of the cultural fascination with the natural world, or simply an aesthetic preference? The choice of chickens as subjects raises questions. Chickens might represent rural life, or perhaps even deeper societal narratives related to gender, labor, and domesticity. As you observe the delicate lines and shading, consider what these chickens might reveal about our relationship with the natural world, and our cultural history.