Perched Parrot and Standing Heron; verso: blank c. 18th century

Curator: Look at this, a watercolor featuring a perched parrot and a standing heron by Jean-Baptiste Oudry. I find it rather… whimsical. Editor: Whimsical? I see a study in contrasts! The parrot, all bright mischief, versus the heron's almost mournful stillness. What do you make of it? Curator: Well, Oudry often portrayed animals for the royal menagerie, you see. It's interesting how these creatures, probably subjects of colonial acquisition, are presented here. Editor: Right, the exotic as spectacle. But the parrot’s gaze, that knowing glance—it almost feels like a silent critique of their captivity. Curator: Perhaps! Or maybe Oudry just had a good sense of humor. Regardless, it’s a fascinating insight into the art and politics of 18th-century France. Editor: I like how these birds tell different stories depending on who’s watching. Each offers a unique view on the world.