Dawn Confab c. 1940s

Bernard Joseph Steffen created this print, “Dawn Confab,” in the 20th century. The image depicts many birds perched on a wire fence under a colorful dawn sky. Birds are ancient symbols, often representing the soul or spirit, flight, and freedom. The image of birds gathering or perched together evokes a sense of community, or even anticipation. Consider how, in medieval tapestries, birds were used to symbolize divine messengers, carrying tidings between heaven and earth. Here, the fence grounds them, creating a dynamic tension. This can be seen similarly in ancient Egyptian art, where birds were linked to the cycle of life and death. The gathering of birds taps into our collective unconscious, reminding us of the transition from darkness to light, ignorance to knowledge. The recurring image of birds, like the phoenix rising from ashes, symbolizes rebirth and hope. As the sun emerges over the horizon, the presence of these assembled birds hints at the emotional and psychological power in nature. The image reminds us of nature's enduring influence on the human spirit. The way these avian figures gather speaks to a non-linear, cyclical progression, resurfacing and evolving through time.