Eenden c. 1839 - 1872

This sketch of ducks was made by Johannes Tavenraat during the 19th century. Here we see three waterfowl, rendered with quick, flowing lines, capturing their forms in various poses of repose. The duck, seemingly simple, is laden with historical significance. In ancient Egypt, the duck symbolized vulnerability and the soul's journey. This symbolism then morphed through the ages. We find it honored in Northern Europe as a guardian animal, a far cry from its Egyptian origins. Even Carl Jung might suggest that the varying depictions of the animal hint at a collective unconscious, reflecting humanity's multifaceted relationship with nature and spirit. In Tavenraat's rendering, there’s a quiet grace in the way he captures the bird’s essence, a sort of primal symbolism surfaces, offering a glimpse into the enduring power of symbols across cultures and time. It reminds us how motifs evolve, carrying echoes of past meanings into the present.