Patrijs (francolinus jugularis) 1878 - 1889

Theo van Hoytema made this lithograph of a 'Patrijs' or francolinus jugularis, a species of bird, in the Netherlands during the late 19th or early 20th century. Consider the social context: at this time, there was growing interest in scientific illustration and natural history, spurred on by colonialism and global trade. Accurate depictions of flora and fauna were essential for cataloging and understanding the natural world. Institutions like the Rijksmuseum played a crucial role in collecting and displaying these images, shaping public perception of nature. Hoytema’s choice of lithography, a relatively new and accessible medium, suggests an intention to disseminate these images widely. What was the public role of such images? Were they meant for scientific study, or did they also serve an aesthetic or even nationalistic purpose, celebrating the natural beauty of the Netherlands? To truly understand this work, we might consult ornithological texts, museum archives, and period publications. It’s through this kind of historical investigation that we can uncover the complex social and institutional forces at play in the creation and reception of art.