Kalenderblad februari met kraaien in de sneeuw 1905

This is Theo van Hoytema’s February calendar page, made in the Netherlands, probably with lithography. Look at how the ravens emerge from the snowy ground – it’s all about the play of light and dark, creating a mood that's both stark and kind of beautiful. It’s like Hoytema wasn't just making a calendar, but capturing a feeling, an experience. I love the textures here, the rough, scratchy lines that make up the birds and the ground. It’s not about being precise, but about conveying the raw, wintry atmosphere. The contrast between the dark ravens and the light snow makes everything pop, giving the piece a real sense of depth. See how the ravens are almost abstract shapes, and how their forms melt into the background. You know, looking at this, I’m reminded of other artists who were masters of black and white, like Käthe Kollwitz. They shared this ability to evoke powerful emotions with just a few simple marks, speaking to art's ability to have multiple interpretations.