Lepelaars 1903 - 1932

Adriaan van 't Hoff created this print of spoonbills, or 'Lepelaars' as they are known in Dutch, using etching and aquatint. It's a compelling image, but it is vital to see it as more than just a picture of birds. Made in the Netherlands in the first half of the 20th century, a time of increasing industrialization, one might ask whether the subject matter is a form of cultural commentary. The delicate depiction of wildlife perhaps reflects a growing awareness of the impact of human activity on the natural world. The spoonbill itself, a bird of wetlands, could be seen as a symbol of a disappearing natural landscape within an increasingly developed country. To fully understand this work, we can delve into the history of Dutch printmaking, the rise of environmental consciousness, and the cultural significance of birds in art and literature. We can then consider how these factors intersect in van 't Hoff's evocative image. Studying it in its historical context allows us to appreciate its depth and relevance.