Scarlet Ibis with an Egg

attributed to Dorothea Maria Gsell, 1699 - 1701

Dorothea Graff depicted this bird in Suriname, where she spent two years with her mother Maria Sibylla Merian observing and drawing native flora and fauna. An unidentified inscription incorrectly names the bird a flamingo. Graff portrayed the ibis in profile, as was customary in scientific illustrations at the time. She achieved the rich texture of the feathers by using a subtle tonal range and various brushstrokes.

  • Artwork typedrawing
  • Object numberRP-T-1977-16
  • Dimensionsheight 421 mm x width 308 mm
  • Physical characteristicspenseel in waterverf en dekverf, over sporen van grafiet, op perkament