Garrulus, Gey (The Jay), from "Livre d'Oyseaux" (Book of Birds) 1650 - 1665

Albert Flamen etched "Garrulus, Gey" as part of his "Book of Birds." In this image, jays are depicted in natural poses, some mid-flight, others perched and alert. Birds, across cultures, symbolize freedom, the soul, and messages from the divine. Here, the jay, known for its mimicry and intelligence, is observed in its habitat. Consider the raised wing of the jay on the right. This gesture of alert readiness echoes in ancient Egyptian art, where outstretched wings symbolized protection and divine presence. This motif reappears through history, shifting from the sacred to the secular. Such gestures tap into our collective memory, evoking subconscious responses linked to ancestral knowledge and archetypal symbols. Flamen’s jays, therefore, do not merely represent birds; they embody a complex interplay of cultural symbols that continue to evolve, engaging us on a primal, emotional level.