Schets voor illustratie in Hoe de vogels aan een koning kwamen 1891

This is Theo van Hoytema's sketch for an illustration in 'Hoe de vogels aan een koning kwamen'. Hoytema made the sketch with graphite on paper. Hoytema, born in the Netherlands in 1863, was deeply engaged with nature, especially birds. His work coincided with a period of growing industrialization and urbanization. His art, particularly his illustrations for children’s books, provided a window into a natural world that was increasingly receding from daily life. This sketch taps into the realm of animal fables, a long-standing tradition used to reflect on human society through animal characters. Sketched lightly, we see a diverse group of birds. The scene appears almost democratic, portraying a society where different species gather. It invites us to consider themes of community and leadership. How do we organize ourselves? Who gets to decide? What does it mean to belong? This sketch, though simple, speaks to the complex ways we create narratives about ourselves. It reminds us of the stories we tell to explain our world and our place in it.