Kalenderblad voor januari 1910 met pauw en hoenders 1909

Theo van Hoytema made this calendar page for January 1910 using lithography, a printmaking technique that allows for these subtle gradations of tone and delicate line work. I can imagine him bent over the lithographic stone, carefully applying washes of ink to capture the feathery textures of the peacock and hens. He must have been fascinated by the natural world to dedicate so much time to rendering the plumage of these birds. The subdued palette of blues, greens, and browns gives the image a tranquil, almost dreamlike quality. Look closely, and you'll see how he uses tiny dots and dashes to create a sense of depth and dimension. It reminds me a little of Audubon, but with a distinctly Art Nouveau sensibility. Painters are always looking at each other, even across generations. We're all part of this ongoing conversation, riffing on the ideas of those who came before us, trying to find our own voice within the chorus.