Scarlet Ibis with an Egg 1699 - 1701

This is Dorothea Maria Gsell’s ‘Scarlet Ibis with an Egg,’ a drawing notable for its precise rendering and vivid coloration. The striking scarlet of the ibis immediately commands attention. The artist has rendered this vibrant colour with subtle variations, capturing the bird’s plumage with remarkable detail. What makes this work particularly interesting is how Gsell uses the formal elements to evoke a sense of both scientific accuracy and aesthetic appreciation. The sinuous curve of the ibis's neck, mirrored by the gentle ovoid of the egg, creates a visual harmony. The composition is carefully balanced, with the bird's body filling the frame, offset by the minimalist setting. The drawing exists as an exploration of form and colour, inviting us to contemplate the aesthetic qualities inherent in the natural world, and to challenge fixed meanings of art and science. Gsell’s sophisticated command of colour and form transforms the scientific illustration into a compelling work of art.