Pauw 1873 - 1917

Theo van Hoytema rendered this peacock with graphite on paper, a delicate dance of lines capturing the essence of the bird. The peacock, an emblem of beauty, pride, and immortality, has a long and winding history through the annals of culture. In ancient Greece, it was sacred to Hera, goddess of marriage, its tail symbolizing the starry heavens. The "eyes" of the peacock's feathers, those iridescent spots, have been seen as all-seeing knowledge, a watchful gaze of divinity. We find echoes of this across time, from their association with royalty and splendor in the courts of Europe to their role in Christian iconography, where they symbolize resurrection. Think of the peacock's appearance in Mughal art, adorning emperors' gardens, or in Art Nouveau designs, its flowing lines embodying nature's beauty. The peacock motif resurfaces, constantly transformed yet fundamentally linked to its ancient roots. Its recurring presence speaks to our collective fascination with beauty, immortality, and the watchful eye of the divine.