Zeven kraaien 1872 - 1897

Curator: Henri-Charles Guérard's "Zeven kraaien," or "Seven Crows," made between 1872 and 1897, employs stark lines of a woodcut to present us with this flock. Editor: My first thought is that it’s rather ominous! The sheer blackness of the crows against the pale background creates a striking and unsettling contrast. There is also a curious, expectant mood. Curator: Considering the sociopolitical backdrop of late 19th-century Europe, one wonders if Guérard's crows might symbolize societal ills, anxieties, or perhaps even looming political crises. Crows were, after all, often linked to death and ill omen in the popular consciousness. Editor: Indeed. Crows have carried varied symbolism throughout history. Here, they seem like watchful sentinels, guardians of forgotten lore, maybe even representatives of prophecy. This connects with centuries of beliefs that associate birds, especially black ones, with mystical knowledge. I also observe seven of them, which is unusual since "a murder of crows" often depicts a larger flock. Is "seven" a magic number in this piece? Curator: Possibly. And given the rise of spiritualism and occultism during that era, one can easily see the potential symbolism of the "seven." This could refer to a wide range of ideas about spirituality. Let’s also not overlook Guérard's social context. Editor: True. Woodcuts also imply an artist deliberately simplifying for emphasis. These aren't just any birds. I find it striking how each has a slightly different pose—some vigilant, some relaxed. I almost want to give each one a personality. Curator: Right, and in the context of the print medium, this would likely have been widely circulated, making its possible message – whatever that may be – all the more impactful, no? Perhaps that distributed message served to create collective anxiety? Editor: Perhaps. Reflecting on the print's graphic simplicity combined with the cultural baggage these creatures carry provides an interesting example of powerful communication via symbolism. Curator: I agree. Viewing this work through the lens of power dynamics and social consciousness is important to me, and makes this so much more than an avian study.