Parelhoen 1600 - 1662

This ‘Parelhoen’ or Guineafowl, was made by Pieter Holsteyn the Elder, likely in the first half of the 17th century, using pen, grey ink, and watercolor on paper. Holsteyn’s meticulous technique speaks to the values of observation and documentation that drove early modern science, and the explosion of natural history illustration at the time. Every feather is carefully delineated and painted, demonstrating a skilled command of the media. But don't think of this as simply a neutral record. There's real artistry at play here. Consider how Holsteyn uses watercolor to capture the bird's subtle gradations of tone, achieving a lifelike quality through delicate washes. The whiteness of the paper is also key, lending lightness and luminosity to the composition, setting off the intricate detailing of the Guineafowl itself. Holsteyn was a glass painter and draftsman. While glass painting was very well regarded, drawings such as this were often considered studies, or preparatory works, rather than artworks in their own right. This belies the technical skill and artistry they embody.