Two Swans 1654 - 1658

Wenceslaus Hollar created this print of two swans at an unknown date. The scene presents a seemingly simple depiction of nature. But in order to truly appreciate this image, we need to consider the cultural associations of the swan. In European culture, swans have long been associated with royalty, grace, and purity. They were often kept in the gardens of the aristocracy as symbols of wealth and status. In Hollar's time, the 17th century, the image of swans would have evoked these associations. His image may have been viewed as a commentary on social class, reflecting the values and interests of the elite. To understand this print more fully, we can look to historical documents that tell us about the cultural meanings attached to swans, and the social function of imagery in Hollar’s time. As historians, our job is to uncover the complex relationships between art and society and how art helps us understand the past.