Kalenderblad juli met vogel en muizen 1915

This is a calendar page for July, made by Theo van Hoytema, held at the Rijksmuseum. Immediately, the structured composition catches the eye. Hoytema divides the surface into three distinct registers: the upper and lower sections show wildlife scenes, while the middle section contains the calendar itself. The limited palette, dominated by muted greens and browns, creates a sense of organic unity, as if the calendar has sprouted from the earth. What is really compelling here is how Hoytema plays with the idea of time. The calendar grid, with its regimented numbers, contrasts sharply with the fluid, almost whimsical rendering of the birds and mice. This tension suggests a deeper exploration into the human desire to impose order onto the natural world. The rigid structure of the calendar, with its rows and columns, mirrors the human need for control, while the freely drawn animals remind us of the inherent chaos and unpredictability of nature. Hoytema is not just creating a functional object; he is commenting on our relationship with time and the environment.