Drie hanen 1898

This is “Drie hanen” (“Three Roosters”) by Theo van Hoytema. Observe the roosters: symbols of vigilance, courage, and pride. In ancient Rome, the rooster was associated with Mars, the god of war, embodying aggression and strength. But here, the birds are static, almost frozen in time. They have a strange psychological power. Consider, for instance, the sunflower motif looming in the background. Sunflowers, traditionally symbols of adoration and longevity, cast long shadows, their usual bright connotations subdued, darkened. This subtle shift in meaning reminds us that symbols are not static. They evolve through time, transformed by human experience and memory. The emotional undertones of Hoytema's composition invite us to reflect on the complexities of cultural memory, a reminder of how motifs are continually reshaped by our collective consciousness.