Visdief met gespreide vleugels bij nest c. 1870 - 1940

This photograph, "Visdief met gespreide vleugels bij nest" or "Common Tern with wings spread at nest," was taken by Adolphe Burdet, whose life spanned a period of immense transformation. During his time, the societal values were quite traditional, emphasizing the separation between human and animal worlds, with humans often viewing nature as something to be controlled or exploited. This image, however, invites a more intimate look into the life of a bird, capturing a tender moment of parental care. The bird's poised stance might evoke feelings of protectiveness or anxiety, while the nest with its eggs symbolizes vulnerability. Burdet was known for his sensitive approach to photography. By turning his lens towards the natural world, Burdet offers a narrative that subtly challenges anthropocentric views. It invites us to consider the emotional lives of animals, urging a connection to their struggles for survival.