Roodborstje op besneeuwde boomtak 1878 - 1910

Theo van Hoytema created this print of a robin on a snowy branch, using lithography, during a time when the Netherlands was experiencing rapid social and political changes. Hoytema was more than just an artist; he was deeply involved in movements advocating for animal rights and nature conservation. His personal life was marked by struggles with mental health, spending long periods in institutions. Could his keen eye for the natural world be an escape from human society? His robin isn't simply a pretty bird; it's a symbol of resilience, a small, warm creature persisting amidst a cold, indifferent world. The robin sits alone on a snow-laden branch, a tiny splash of color against a monochrome winter scene. It evokes feelings of vulnerability and determination. This print invites us to reflect on our relationship with the natural world and the importance of preserving its beauty and fragility, both for the sake of the environment and for our own well-being.