Dode vogel als vogelverschrikker in een weiland 1874 - 1914

This etching, created by Jan Willem Nortier, presents us with a stark image: a dead bird displayed as a scarecrow in a field. The use of dead animals as deterrents taps into ancient, almost primal fears. Across cultures, similar symbols appear—effigies, totems, and ritualistic displays meant to ward off evil or misfortune. Consider the gargoyles of Gothic cathedrals, grotesque figures designed to protect sacred spaces, or the animal skulls used in various folk traditions to safeguard fields and homes. The dead bird evokes a powerful emotional response, touching on our subconscious awareness of mortality. There is a haunting quality, a reminder of the cyclical nature of life and death, and the constant struggle for survival. The image engages us on a deep, perhaps unsettling level, forcing a confrontation with the fragility of existence. This symbol, however, transcends its immediate context. It resurfaces through history, evolving and acquiring new layers of meaning, yet always carrying echoes of its origins.