Zwemmende zwaan 1878 - 1914

Theo van Hoytema created "Zwemmende zwaan" using lithography, presenting us with a serene image of a swan. The composition is striking in its simplicity and balance, dividing the space into distinct horizontal zones: the open sky, the tranquil water, and the detailed foreground with the swan and lily pads. Notice how Hoytema employs a muted palette, dominated by soft creams and subtle grays. The stark contrast of the black ink used for the swan's outline, the lily pads, and the thin border around the image creates a graphic quality, reminiscent of Japanese prints. This aesthetic reduces depth, emphasizing flatness and the two-dimensionality of the picture plane. This work exists in a space between representation and abstraction, where the swan is depicted with enough detail to be recognizable, yet simplified to emphasize form over realistic depiction. It mirrors a broader artistic move towards abstraction, challenging traditional ways of seeing and representing the natural world. Ultimately, the lithograph draws attention to the formal elements of art-making, inviting viewers to contemplate not just what is depicted, but how.