Dertien vogels op gestileerde ranken c. 1630

This is a print made by Bartholomeus van Lochom in the 17th century, featuring thirteen birds perched along stylized vines. Birds, throughout art history, have soared as symbols of the soul, freedom, and divine messengers. These birds, nestled amongst the twisting vines, evoke a sense of life's interconnectedness, how we are all supported by the same roots. This motif has flown through time, echoing in ancient Egyptian art, where birds carried souls to the afterlife, and in medieval tapestries, where they symbolized earthly paradise. Consider how the vines, reminiscent of the Tree of Life, wind and support the birds, their presence deeply embedded in our collective memory. This image, like a recurring dream, touches on our subconscious longing for harmony, our innate desire to be part of something larger. The artwork taps into a powerful, almost primal emotional state, engaging our deep-seated hopes and fears. Observe how the symbolism of the bird has evolved, appearing not only in the sacred arts of antiquity, but also recurring in modern emblems representing peace and freedom. These birds echo through history, their songs evolving in different cultural contexts.