Verschillende vogelsoorten 1892

Theo van Hoytema created this drawing, titled 'Verschillende vogelsoorten', likely with pen and ink, showing an assortment of bird species. The image serves as a compendium, with each bird meticulously labeled, reflecting a cultural desire to categorize and understand the natural world. Consider the depiction of the owl, or "uil" perched among branches. Throughout history, the owl has been a symbol of wisdom and vigilance, yet also associated with darkness and the nocturnal. Its presence reminds me of the ancient Greek association of the owl with Athena, the goddess of wisdom, or, much later, Goya’s haunting depictions, where owls embody a more sinister, irrational element. Notice too the figure labeled "winterkoning". In folklore, this bird is often associated with midwinter celebrations, rebirth, and the cyclical nature of time. These symbols resonate deeply, tapping into primal fears, hopes, and the human longing for understanding our place within the cosmos. They resurface, evolving and taking on new meanings across time.