Autruche (Ostrich), from "Histoire Naturelle de Oiseaux" 1770 - 1786

François Nicolas Martinet created this print of an ostrich as part of his "Histoire Naturelle des Oiseaux", a natural history encyclopedia, in the late 18th century. During this period, scientific illustration served not just to document the natural world, but also to reflect Europe's relationship with that world, and its place within it. The image presents the ostrich as a specimen, carefully rendered and framed within a neat border. But it also evokes deeper themes. Colonialism and the Enlightenment fueled a surge in scientific exploration. Natural history illustrations were part of this, capturing and classifying the world. Yet, they often reinforced a sense of European dominance over nature. This image, with its blend of scientific observation and artistic interpretation, is part of that history. How do you feel looking at this image of the ostrich, and recognizing the complex history in which it was made?