Kalenderblad oktober met vliegende vogel 1907

This calendar page for October was made by Theo van Hoytema, and it feels like it emerged through a process of layering and refinement. It is a lithograph, which, like painting, allows the artist to rework and redefine the image. I can imagine Hoytema playing with the textures and tones, maybe starting with broad strokes and then adding finer details to capture the bird in flight. The colour palette is muted, with greens and blues, lending a sense of tranquility. There is a tension in the bird's pose; it is powerful, yet the colours evoke quietness. The overall composition, with the calendar grid below and decorative borders, shows a commitment to craft. It reminds me of the work of other artists of the time, like the Nabis, who were interested in bridging the gap between fine art and design. Ultimately, it's the artist's attention to detail and openness to different interpretations that make this calendar so engaging.