Ooievaar op nest 1816

Jean Bernard created this pencil drawing, "Stork on Nest", in the early 19th century. Bernard, who lived through the Batavian Republic and the Napoleonic Kingdom of Holland, presents an intimate view into the natural world, one that reflects both scientific curiosity and artistic sensitivity. The delicate lines capture the protective stance of the parent stork, standing guard over its young. Here, the nest is a site of vulnerability and nurture. Consider the cultural symbolism of storks as symbols of fertility and new beginnings. This simple sketch reflects the universal themes of family and care. In a society undergoing significant political and social upheaval, the image of familial harmony offers a counterpoint to the instability of the world.