Vogels 1885 - 1931

This drawing of birds was created by Willem Bastiaan Tholen, a Dutch artist who lived from 1860 to 1931. It’s held at the Rijksmuseum. Tholen was part of the Hague School, a group that emphasized realism and a subdued palette, reflecting the somber tones of Dutch landscapes and daily life. But these studies of birds aren't typical of the Hague School. Usually we see landscapes. So why birds? It’s tempting to see them as metaphors. Birds have often symbolized freedom and the soul, but here, they appear lifeless, their forms captured with a stark, almost clinical precision. Perhaps Tholen was contemplating mortality and fragility. We can imagine him capturing these small creatures in his sketchbook, contemplating their delicate existence. The sketch's emotional weight reminds us of the temporary nature of life.