Alle vogels waren op een open plek bijeen 1892

This print, by Theo van Hoytema, depicts a multitude of birds gathered in an open field. Birds, across cultures, often symbolize the soul, freedom, or act as messengers between the earthly and spiritual realms. Consider the prominent crow, a figure often associated with transformation, prophecy, or even death. We see its echoes in the ravens of Norse mythology, Odin's eyes and ears, or as omens in various literary works. The congregation of different species here, some taking flight, others grounded, can be interpreted as a convergence of different paths, a crossroads of destinies. This gathering evokes a sense of collective consciousness, where individual destinies intertwine. Like moths to a flame, the birds flock to this open space, drawn by an unseen force, a shared impulse that resonates deep within the collective psyche. It is the echo of ancient migratory patterns, a memory of primeval journeys. The image is a powerful statement of our interconnectedness, an emotional tableau that resonates with our primal understanding of the world.