Schets voor illustratie in Hoe de vogels aan een koning kwamen 1891

This is a sketch by Theo van Hoytema for ‘How the Birds Got a King’. It depicts various birds in a landscape, evoking a sense of natural order and hierarchy. Consider the crow, a prominent figure often perched high. Historically, the crow is a symbol of prophecy and intelligence, yet it is also associated with death and ill omen. We find its echoes in ancient mythologies, from the ravens of Odin in Norse lore to its presence in Aesop’s fables. The assembly of birds, each distinct, brings to mind the medieval bestiaries where animals were allegories for human traits and moral lessons. Such imagery taps into our collective memory, stirring subconscious associations. Perhaps, like the birds vying for a king, we too seek order and governance in our own lives, reflecting our shared human desire for structure and leadership. The symbolism here transcends mere illustration; it embodies a timeless narrative that continues to resurface in our cultural consciousness, constantly evolving with new interpretations.