Watervogel 1646

Wenceslaus Hollar created this etching of a water bird in 1665. Hollar was a prolific and cosmopolitan artist, moving between present-day Czechia, Germany, England, and the Netherlands during a period of intense religious and political conflict, known as the Thirty Years War. In this small but intricate work, we can appreciate Hollar’s detailed observation and technical skill. Birds were a popular subject in Dutch art, often appearing in the backgrounds of genre paintings, allegories, and landscapes. They were also subjects for scientific study, and the rise of empirical naturalism can be seen in Hollar’s meticulous rendering of the bird’s plumage. The fact that Hollar made prints means that this image could be widely circulated, acquired by collectors, and copied by other artists. The development of print culture was an important element in the broader circulation of knowledge and the formation of public opinion at this time. By comparing Hollar’s prints with other visual and textual sources, historians can learn more about the cultural values of the 17th century.