Vijf ibissen en een kwak 1898

Theo van Hoytema made this lithograph, Vijf ibissen en een kwak, in the late 19th or early 20th century. During this period, the Netherlands saw a surge of interest in naturalism and the exotic, influenced by colonial encounters and scientific exploration. Hoytema's choice to depict these birds, which are not native to the Netherlands, reflects a broader European fascination with the natural world. There is a quiet stillness to this image, as the birds huddle together in the marshy landscape. Hoytema renders each bird with meticulous detail, inviting us to contemplate their individual presence within the group. As we consider the identity of these creatures, we might reflect on themes of belonging and displacement. By drawing attention to the natural world, Hoytema offers a nuanced commentary on humanity's relationship with nature. The lithograph serves as a reminder of both the beauty and the fragility of the ecosystems we inhabit.