Medium
Bodycolor
Dimensions
sheet: 4 3/4 x 6 11/16 in. (12 x 17 cm)
Classification
Drawings
Department
Drawings and Prints
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Bequest of Catherine G. Curran, 2008
Accession Number
2008.429
Rights
Public Domain
Tags
Art Historical Context
Nestled in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints collection, *A Turkey* is a bodycolor drawing (an opaque watercolor technique) attributed to the Dutch artist Pieter Holstey II or an anonymous contemporary. Measuring just 4 3/4 x 6 11/16 inches, this intimate sheet captures the bird's intricate plumage and alert posture with remarkable precision, showcasing the Dutch Golden Age's mastery of naturalistic observation. Created during the 17th century—a time when the Netherlands led Europe in scientific curiosity and trade—turkeys symbolized exotic novelty. Native to the Americas, they arrived in Europe via Spanish explorers, becoming prized curiosities in cabinets of wonder and vanitas still lifes. Holsteyn II, known for his detailed animal studies and portraits, likely produced this as a collector's piece or study for prints, reflecting the era's blend of artistry and emerging natural history. The use of bodycolor allowed for vibrant, luminous effects on the small scale, ideal for close contemplation. Bequeathed by Catherine G. Curran in 2008, this work invites visitors to marvel at how a simple bird drawing encapsulates Dutch ingenuity, global exchange, and the joy of discovery.
About the Artist
Anonymous, Dutch|Pieter Holsteyn II (Dutch|Dutch) · 1600 |1700 –1700 |1800
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