Zittende vrouw met twee vogels tussen gebladerte 1917

Georg Schrimpf’s woodcut presents a seated woman amidst dense foliage, flanked by two birds. Birds, historically, are potent symbols. In ancient times they were considered messengers between the earthly and divine realms. Recall the dove in countless depictions of the Annunciation, or the birds that guide lost souls in mythology. The woman's open hands, a gesture of offering or supplication, echo those found in early Christian art, representing piety and connection to the sacred. This motif surfaces again and again in various forms throughout history. The image, rendered in stark blacks and whites, evokes a dream-like quality. The interplay of light and shadow creates a space where the subconscious comes to the fore, where the emotional power of these symbols resonates. The collective memory embedded in these symbols engages viewers on a deep, subconscious level. The image reflects the cyclical progression of symbols, their constant resurfacing, evolution, and adaptation across different contexts.