Screaming crow, standing to the left 1920

Editor: So, here we have "Screaming Crow, Standing to the Left," a pen and ink drawing by Jan Mankes from 1920. It's a fairly stark image, all black and white. The crow is very prominent. What do you see in this piece? Curator: What I find fascinating is how this drawing fits into a broader visual culture grappling with themes of nature and mortality after the First World War. Mankes was working in a Netherlands marked by a sort of pained neutrality. Crows often symbolized ill omens or death, a symbol prevalent in the art of the era, reflecting widespread anxieties after the conflict. How does this symbolism resonate with you given the work's historical context? Editor: I see that; the association makes sense. But I'm curious about how the starkness of the medium – the pen and ink – adds to that feeling. Is it about accessibility or something more intentional? Curator: It’s both. Ink and pen allow for an immediacy and a directness. Inexpensive, easily accessible, it can be understood as Mankes' intentional choice towards realism in line with prevailing art ideals of his time and culture. So, considering this context, do you think the “scream” suggests more about warning or despair? Editor: I think it leans towards warning, now. It's less personal, and more societal. Thank you for giving me some new angles to approach the piece! Curator: My pleasure. I am very pleased you can see the wider view.