Studie van een eend met gespreide vleugels 1865 - 1878

Jules Laurens sketched this duck with outstretched wings in graphite. The image is dominated by the duck’s posture, its wings spread wide. A gesture reminiscent of supplication or protection that transcends species, calling to mind the archangel's pose of shielding wings, an ancient symbol of divine care. The gesture of outstretched wings is far from new. Consider its echo in the protective stance of ancient deities, their arms spread in blessing, or even the instinctive flaring of birds defending their nests. It is a primal display of offering and dominance that is passed down, weaving through the tapestry of life and art. Such gestures elicit a psychological response, a deep-seated recognition of vulnerability and strength that touches our very core. Note how this simple, yet profound, posture of the duck becomes a mirror reflecting our own emotional landscape. The posture of the duck, caught in graphite, is a timeless echo resonating through the ages.