Kiekendief 1878 - 1917

Editor: Here we have Theo van Hoytema's "Kiekendief," created sometime between 1878 and 1917. It's a striking woodcut print. I’m really drawn to the intense gaze of the bird. How do you interpret this work, particularly within its historical context? Curator: This piece offers a fascinating window into the late 19th-century cultural fascination with nature, particularly through the lens of Art Nouveau. Woodcut, as a medium, saw a revival during this period, aligning with the movement's emphasis on craftsmanship and natural forms. It's interesting to note how artists chose to portray animals; this isn’t just a representation, it's a symbol. Editor: Symbol of what, exactly? Is there a political undertone? Curator: Think about the era. Europe was undergoing rapid industrialization and urbanization. The "Kiekendief", or hen harrier, a predator, might symbolize anxieties around this shift. Perhaps anxieties around human relationships and dominance in an environment of constant socio-economic and environmental change. Is this simply a charming depiction of nature or a symbolic exploration of dominance? Editor: That makes sense! So the choice of a bird of prey combined with this graphic style highlights human anxieties of the time, a kind of visual commentary on industrial change? Curator: Precisely. And the display of such work becomes political as well. By showcasing these kinds of art works in national institutions such as the Rijksmuseum, it further cements the social and cultural role that are has and has had over the decades and in many instances highlights the human relationship with art and the nature of art itself. Editor: I hadn't thought about it that way. The museum itself participating in the artistic expression of political messaging! It definitely changes how I see this simple, yet powerful, image. Curator: It enriches the experience, doesn't it? The layers of history and cultural context add depth to what initially seems like a straightforward depiction of a bird.