Pluimvee 1833 - 1900

Glenisson & Van Genechten created this untitled print, "Pluimvee," using a combination of etching and engraving techniques. At first glance, you might notice a somewhat whimsical, almost child-like depiction of various fowl. Each bird is neatly arranged in its own quadrant, set against a stark, neutral background. The artists employ a playful use of color and form, creating a kind of visual taxonomy. The fowl are all rendered in meticulous detail, with careful attention to their unique textures and plumage. Yet, this adherence to naturalistic detail is undermined by an unnatural palette of blues, greens and yellows, creating a tension between representation and abstraction. The composition itself, divided into quadrants, suggests a structuralist approach to understanding the natural world. The print reflects a semiotic system in which each fowl functions as a sign, representing not just the animal itself, but perhaps broader cultural associations. This print destabilizes fixed meanings, inviting viewers to engage in a playful reinterpretation of the relationship between art, nature, and knowledge.