Kop van een gier 1763 - 1824

François Levaillant made this watercolor of a vulture's head in the late 18th or early 19th century. It’s rendered on paper, a relatively inexpensive and accessible material, which democratized image-making at the time. The artist's hand is evident in the meticulous layering of washes, creating subtle tonal variations that capture the texture of the bird's plumage. Notice how the smooth beak contrasts with the wrinkled, almost leathery skin of the head, achieved through careful brushwork. Levaillant’s skill as a draughtsman elevates this study beyond a mere scientific illustration, granting the vulture a certain dignity. In its time, the creation of watercolor paintings like these would have been considered applied arts. But by emphasizing the artistry inherent in the materials and processes used, we can appreciate this artwork anew, challenging traditional boundaries between fine art and craft.