Kalenderbladen van januari, februari en maart, met vogels 1901

Theo van Hoytema created these calendar pages for January, February, and March using lithography. At first glance, we see birds—a rooster, a songbird, and seagulls or doves—each carrying its own symbolic weight through the ages. The rooster, a symbol of vigilance and rebirth, has ancient roots, harking back to its role as a solar symbol in pagan traditions. The rooster announces the dawn, and the return of light over darkness. The songbird, perched in winter, can be seen across medieval tapestries and Renaissance paintings, often signifying the soul or spiritual awakening. It represents the promise of spring. Similarly, the dove is a symbol of peace and renewal. Consider how these avian symbols evoke primal emotions. The longing for warmth and light in the cold winter months, the hope for rebirth and renewal in the face of darkness. These images tap into our collective memory, echoing through centuries of art and culture. The cyclical dance of these symbols remind us that history is not linear, but a perpetual return to archetypal themes.