Jabiroe (Jabiroe mycteria) 1770

Editor: We're looking at "Jabiroe (Jabiroe mycteria)," a watercolor drawing by Aert Schouman from 1770. It's currently held at the Rijksmuseum. I find the texture fascinating. The bird's feathers appear almost tangible through the watercolor technique. What can you tell me about this piece? Curator: Look at the labour involved. Someone had to source the paper, prepare the pigments – perhaps even create them from raw materials. This wasn't simply about artistic inspiration, but the practicalities of artistic production during the 18th century. Watercolour as a medium, traditionally seen as less significant, actually demanded skillful preparation of glazes and application. Does this challenge our traditional hierarchies? Editor: That's interesting. I hadn't considered the labor of creating the materials. Does the realism indicate it was a scientific illustration? How does that affect its status as a work of art? Curator: Precisely! This blurs the line. Was Schouman commissioned to create this image? Who was the audience and what purpose did the image serve? Consider the act of "consuming" nature, even through an artwork like this. Were these exotic birds viewed differently as scientific specimens versus aesthetically pleasing creatures? What sort of access did most people have to see Jabiru storks outside of images? Editor: So, the drawing isn't just a representation of a bird; it's a record of material practices, consumption, and even access to knowledge and nature. Thanks, that changes how I view it. Curator: And maybe by focusing on these elements, we gain a fresh appreciation for Schouman's labor and skills beyond simple observation.