An artwork on Galleree from Rijksmuseum.
About the artwork
A Pelican and other Birds near a Pool, Known as ‘The Floating Feather’, Melchior d'Hondecoeter, c. 1680h 159cm × w 144cm
Melchior d'Hondecoeter
oil on canvas
In a sun-drenched corner of a grand palace, where the air buzzed with the promise of adventure, Melchior d’Hondecoeter set to work, his heart brimming with inspiration. A painter of exquisite talent, d’Hondecoeter had a knack for capturing the delicate essence of birds, turning their fleeting beauty into something eternal.
On this particular canvas, his brush danced as he brought to life a magnificent pelican, its elongated beak curved in a tranquil arc, ready to scoop the earth's secrets from the shimmering waters. Nearby, a myriad of ducks floated gracefully, their feathers a flurry of colors that seemed to ripple like the surface of the pond they graced. To the left, a stoic cassowary stood tall and proud, while a flamingo, with its vibrant plumage, stretched its slender neck elegantly. And there, piercing the canvas with its unique allure, was an African crested crane, embodying a poise that whispered of distant lands.
This enchanting scene was more than just a study of avian life; it was a gift. Commissioned by Stadholder William III and his wife Mary, this artwork was destined to adorn Het Loo palace—an exquisite realm where lush gardens cradled a menagerie of exotic creatures. Within those meticulously tended grounds, the couple sought to celebrate not only their love for one another but also their fascination with the marvels of nature.
As the brush strokes fell into place, one could almost hear the soft rustle of feathers and the gentle lapping of water—reminders of a vibrant world just beyond the canvas’s edge. With each detail, d’Hondecoeter transformed a mere commission into a visual symphony, an evocative testament to the beauty that thrives in the wild, capturing a moment in time that would resonate for generations to come.
About the artist
The Rijksmuseum is the national museum of the Netherlands. We tell the story of 800 years of Dutch history, from 1200 to now. We showcase over 8,000 works of art, including masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh. In addition, we organize several exhibitions per year from our own collection and with (inter) national loans. In the Rijksmuseum you get to know the greatest works of art down to the smallest details.The artwork posted on this site is through the museum's public domain/CC0 data and does not imply endorsement.
Address: Museumstraat 1, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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