Rijstvogel en Javaanse kwakkels Possibly 1784 - 1785

This watercolor drawing titled "Rijstvogel en Javaanse kwakkels" by Dutch artist Jan Brandes (1743-1808), likely from 1784-1785, depicts two species of birds from the Indonesian islands. The top bird is a sparrow-like species, the "rijstvogel", while the bottom two depict the "Javaanse kwakkels", a type of quail. Brandes's meticulous observation of these birds is evident in the realistic details and subtle color variations, showcasing the beauty of these exotic creatures. The artwork's small size (195 x 155 mm) exemplifies the intimacy of natural history illustrations, offering a close-up perspective on the intricate details of these birds.