Screaming crow 1918

Jan Mankes created this woodcut, Screaming Crow, an image that immediately calls to mind the complex symbolism of crows throughout history. In many cultures, the crow is seen as an omen, a harbinger of ill fortune. Here, the crow’s open beak and piercing cry cut through the silence, evoking primal feelings of unease. We see echoes of this dark symbolism in Van Gogh’s final work, "Wheatfield with Crows," where the birds signify a troubled state of mind. Yet, we must also remember the crow as a symbol of intelligence and adaptability, celebrated in the myths of indigenous peoples. This duality in symbolism reveals the power of collective memory, with such images engaging our subconscious on a profound level. The emotional force of Mankes' crow lies in its ability to tap into these deep-seated cultural associations, reminding us of the cyclical nature of symbols that reappear and transform across time.