| European Watercolors Gallery |
| Johannes Bronkhorst | |||
| Johannes Bronkhorst (Dutch, 1648-died circa 1726) The early seventeenth century saw a burgeoning of interest in exotic animals and menageries and aviaries were established across Europe. The expansion of trade and growing exploration of the world resulted in wild animals being captured and returned to Europe as both objects of curiosity and scientific specimens. To begin with these were mainly housed as part of royal collections and artists were frequently employed to paint these prized possessions. Johannes Bronckhorst specialized in watercolors of exotic and indigenous birds, shown either individually or several to a sheet, taking the more scientifically based tradition of artists such as Pieter Holsteyn and developing it in more decorative directions. Bronckhorst also, more rarely, depicted mammals. In these beautiful watercolors the full range of Bronckhorst’s skill is spectacularly shown. He forges a remarkable synthesis between a concern for scientific truth and the decorative and exotic aspects of natural history that were highly prized by royal and private clients. In his presentations, Bronckhorst places the animals within a setting that provides a guide to scale and also an impression of the landscape of their natural habitats. These striking watercolors are by one of the master's of natural history painting and are valuable records showing the beginning of scientific discovery and the appreciation of the aesthetic. | |||
| SELECTIONS FROM THIS WORK | |||
 Johannes Bronkhorst - A Flamingo and Exotic Poultry in a Landscape details |  Johannes Bronkhorst - A Wreath of Flowers details |  Johannes Bronkhorst - An Asian Elephant, a Lion and a Civet Cat in a Landscape details |  Johannes Bronkhorst - Classical Landscape with Wildfowl details |  Johannes Bronkhorst - Two Ostriches and an Anteater in a Landscape details | | | |
