Vliegende eekhoorn, op een tak 1775 - 1833

Jean Bernard rendered this flying squirrel on paper with pen, brush and watercolor. The squirrel, clinging to a branch, is a symbol deeply rooted in the human psyche. Historically, the squirrel represents resourcefulness and preparation, gathering nuts for the winter. Yet, its nimble movements and playful nature also associate it with agility and adaptability, echoing the quicksilver of Mercury in classical myths. Consider how this creature appears in folklore across cultures: sometimes a trickster, sometimes a messenger. This duality reflects our own internal conflicts—the balance between planning and spontaneity. In medieval art, animals often carried moral lessons, reminding us of our own virtues and vices. The squirrel's image, whether in ancient fables or scientific illustrations, taps into our collective memory. It elicits a sense of both familiarity and wonder. This cyclical reappearance embodies the enduring power of symbols that continue to engage us on a subconscious level.