Hollandse ooievaar 1876 - 1951

Theo Nieuwenhuis sketched this 'Hollandse ooievaar' – a Dutch stork – with a simple yet evocative hand. The stork, long a symbol of childbirth and new beginnings in numerous cultures, carries a unique resonance here. Across time, we see the stork reappear – from ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs symbolizing the soul to its role in European folklore, delivering babies to hopeful parents. But why this persistent association? Perhaps it's the stork's migratory patterns, its return each spring mirroring the cyclical renewal of life. Or could it be the bird's perceived gentleness and care for its young, qualities we subconsciously project onto our own desires for family and nurturing? The image taps into a deep well of collective memory, a subconscious understanding that transcends borders and generations. It reminds us that even the simplest sketch can carry a powerful emotional charge, resonating with our most primal hopes and fears.