Kalenderblad februari met eenden 1902

This calendar page for February, with ducks, by Theo van Hoytema, is a lovely example of printmaking. I can imagine the artist carefully layering colors, watching the image come into being through a patient process. Look at the way the ducks are rendered! Some are diving in the water, others are standing still on a sheet of ice. I imagine the artist thinking about how to capture the unique texture and subtle color variations of the birds’ feathers, using line and color to create the impression of depth and movement. It’s like he's trying to catch a glimpse into the secret lives of these animals. And then there’s the calendar itself, sitting below the image of the ducks, with these little illustrations of birds interspersed amongst the dates, integrating art and life. Hoytema may have been inspired by Japanese prints which were all the rage at the time. Artists are always having a conversation, borrowing ideas and adding their own spin. For me, this calendar is a reminder of the beauty and complexity that can be found in the everyday.