Two Exotic Birds 1762

toned paper

possibly oil pastel

oil painting

coloured pencil

green background

underpainting

watercolour illustration

green and neutral

watercolor

warm toned green

"Two Exotic Birds" is a watercolor painting by Dutch artist Aert Schouman, created in 1762. The painting depicts two birds perched on a branch against a hazy, distant landscape. The larger bird, with a distinctive orange plumage and crested head, is the focal point of the composition. Schouman was known for his detailed and lifelike depictions of birds, often showcasing their vibrant colors and unique characteristics. This painting is a fine example of Schouman's expertise in ornithological art and his ability to capture the beauty of nature through meticulous observation. The work is currently housed in the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, and showcases the artist's talent for portraying birds in their natural habitat.

Comments

rijksmuseum over 1 year ago

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The bright orange paint Aert Schouman here used to render the plumage of this Andean cock-of-the-rock jumps off the paper. The artist was already praised for his intense paint colours in the 18th century. Particularly admired were his orange, red and peacock blue. Like many 17th and 18th-century artists, Schouman prepared his paints himself in his workshop from recipes handed down from master to pupil.