Twee grielen 1777

Aert Schouman made *Twee grielen* – that's "Two Stone-curlews" – with watercolor and graphite on paper. It's a study of two birds in muted browns and tans, standing on a rocky shore. Now, watercolor might seem like a straightforward medium, but the way it's handled here tells us a lot. Notice the meticulous detail in the birds' feathers. Schouman wasn't just painting; he was observing and documenting. This kind of detailed work was valued both scientifically and artistically in the 18th century. Watercolors allowed for the easy reproduction of imagery, and the relatively quick creation of an image. It was work that could be easily commissioned and collected. Think about the time and skill it took to achieve this level of precision. It shows a commitment to close observation and mastery of the medium. So, next time you see a watercolor, remember it's not just about the image, but the process, the labor, and the context in which it was made.