Fries met elf vogels, aan het linker uiteinde van het fries staat een boom c. 1607

Pieter Serwouters etched this frieze with eleven birds, accompanied by a tree, employing ink on paper. The prominence of birds, particularly the owl, evokes a rich tapestry of symbolic meanings. In ancient Greece, the owl was associated with Athena, goddess of wisdom, embodying knowledge and foresight. Yet, in the medieval period, the owl’s nocturnal habits led to its demonization, symbolizing darkness and ignorance. Observe the variety of avian species depicted, each potentially carrying its own symbolic weight, informed by cultural beliefs. This visual vocabulary transcends time, echoing in diverse artistic traditions, from ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs to Renaissance allegories. These symbols tap into a collective memory, resonating with subconscious associations. Such images invite us to contemplate the cyclical nature of symbols, their enduring presence in art, and their capacity to stir profound emotions and psychological connections across generations.