Kalenderblad augustus met vogel in het bos 1906

This calendar for August, with a bird in the woods, was made by Theo van Hoytema, and I love how he’s created such a moody scene using simple lithographic techniques. The colours are muted greens and greys, like the end of summer. Look closely, and you can see the texture of the lithographic stone. It’s a reminder that this image isn't just a picture; it’s also an object made through a physical process. My eye's drawn to the bird, its feathers suggested with soft, blurred lines. It’s a tender rendering, and contrasts with the hard-lined, regimented calendar grid beneath. It makes me think of other printmakers like Edvard Munch, who were also pushing the boundaries of what printmaking could do. Art's a constant conversation, right? This piece isn’t just a functional calendar, but an invitation to think about nature, time, and the beauty of simple marks. It allows for so many readings, so allow yourself to get lost in it.