-
"Very nice Posters. The quality is amazing and we received it very quickly !"
-
"A shop to visit absolutely. Huge selection of posters. We spent more than an hour there !"
-
"Perfect to find gift. Price are very good. An they can frame and pack it on site"
About the Artist
Aert Schouman (1710–1792) was a Dutch painter and draftsman renowned for his refined studies of birds and animals. His work flourished during the Dutch Enlightenment, when natural history became a passion for collectors and scholars alike. Schouman’s meticulous approach combined scientific observation with an appreciation for the decorative qualities of his subjects, making his pieces highly sought after among connoisseurs of the era.
Today, Schouman's legacy endures in collections of classic art, where his bird studies exemplify the intersection of art and natural science that defined eighteenth-century Dutch illustration.
The Artwork
This cockatoo head study reflects the eighteenth-century European fascination with exotic species introduced through expanding trade and scientific exploration. Rather than depicting the bird in its environment, Schouman isolates the head, transforming it into a subject for close examination. Such works were often created for collectors’ cabinets or natural history portfolios, serving both as scientific references and as objects of aesthetic appreciation.
The focus on the cockatoo’s distinctive features—its curved beak and expressive crest—mirrors the Enlightenment’s drive to catalog and understand the natural world, while also bringing a sense of wonder and rarity into the domestic sphere.
Style & Characteristics
The composition is spare and direct, presenting the cockatoo’s head in profile against a plain background. Schouman employs delicate linework and subtle shading to convey the bird’s soft plumage and the sculptural quality of its beak. The restrained palette features whites and gentle greys, punctuated by a small accent of red near the eye and beak, lending the image a touch of vibrancy.
The overall mood is calm and contemplative, emphasizing clarity and intimacy. This approach aligns the print with other scientific prints and illustrations, making it a versatile piece for both traditional and modern interiors.
In Interior Design
This elegant bird study lends a refined note to living rooms, studies, or hallways, especially where a sense of quiet curiosity is desired. Its clean composition and restrained color scheme allow it to harmonize with minimalist or classic decor, whether displayed alone or as part of a gallery arrangement.
Pairing it with natural wood frames or neutral wall tones enhances its understated sophistication. For those curating a nature-inspired space, it combines beautifully with other animal art prints, creating a cohesive and timeless display.