Studie c. 1887 - 1892

This study was created by Willem Witsen, and currently resides in the Rijksmuseum. Here, we see a quick sketch of a bird in flight. Birds, throughout history, have been potent symbols of freedom, transcendence, and the soul’s journey. Consider how ancient cultures, from the Egyptians with their falcon-headed gods to the Greeks with their winged messengers like Hermes, have used birds to represent divine attributes and the connection between the earthly and celestial realms. This motif of soaring birds appears across different contexts, from religious iconography to secular art, always carrying with it a sense of aspiration and escape. In the collective subconscious, the act of flying is often associated with liberation from earthly constraints and a yearning for spiritual heights. This study is like a fleeting dream, capturing a desire that continues to resonate through time.