Bord 1750 - 1780

This Delftware plate, a product of De Porceleyne Byl, illustrates the month of December in a scene full of activity. At its heart lies the act of gathering wood, a crucial task for warmth and survival during the cold months. The man bearing an axe is reminiscent of ancient agricultural deities, such as Silvanus, who bore similar axes. Like these early images, the humble gathering of firewood evokes a timeless connection to our basic needs. Across cultures, wood has been a symbol of both life and sacrifice. Think of the Yule Log, once a pagan ritual, it is now incorporated into Christmas celebrations, and how its burning represents warmth and community in the face of winter's darkness. Observe the winter scene's psychological weight – the stark, barren trees, the figures bent in labor, all set against a vast, cold landscape. There is an inherent emotional resonance; a primal understanding of survival and resilience. This is how images become carriers of collective memory, engaging our subconscious on a profound level. The continuous evolution of the wood-gathering image reflects our relationship with nature and survival. From ancient gods to winter festivals, these symbols remind us of humanity’s shared experiences.