Uil en eekhoorn in een boom 1763 - 1804

This small print, "Owl and Squirrel in a Tree," was made by Johann Friedrich Gottlieb Unger around the late 18th century. Here, the owl, a long-standing symbol of wisdom and watchfulness, shares a branch with a squirrel, often seen as a symbol of thrift and preparation. The nocturnal owl and the diurnal squirrel, seemingly at odds, are bound together in this carefully observed rendering of nature. Throughout history, the owl has appeared in varied contexts—from the ancient Greek association with Athena, the goddess of wisdom, to its darker representation as a harbinger of ill omen in the Middle Ages. This duality persists, and it is a fascinating example of how a symbol can simultaneously embody opposing ideas. The presence of the oak tree here is also relevant as a symbol of strength and endurance. Such juxtapositions are like dreams: they draw on a deep well of shared cultural memory, engaging us on a profound, subconscious level. Thus, the symbolism in this small but evocative print reveals the cyclical progression of meaning, ever resurfacing, evolving, and taking on new forms across time.