Vechtende vogels 1847 - 1889

William Unger made this print, “Fighting Birds,” using etching, likely sometime in the late 19th century in the Netherlands. We see two birds caught in a fierce struggle, their wings spread wide in a dramatic confrontation that evokes themes of survival and conflict. During this period, the Netherlands was experiencing rapid social and economic change. Unger's stark, dramatic imagery might reflect broader anxieties about competition and the struggle for resources in a rapidly modernizing society. Birds are a common motif for these types of struggle, consider the symbolism of the eagle in imperial and military contexts. It’s worth remembering that the print was a widely distributed medium and could have been aimed at a broad audience. By researching the cultural context in which Unger created his prints, including studying the social and economic conditions of the time and consulting archival material such as exhibition reviews and artist biographies, we can gain a richer understanding of its meaning and significance.