Collage van uitgeknipte prenten geplakt op een albumblad van blauw papier c. 1680 - 1720

This collage made of cut prints, mounted on blue paper, presents a captivating array of scenes and motifs. Note the presence of swans, symbols of grace and purity, prominently displayed here. The swan, a motif deeply rooted in cultural memory, can be traced back to ancient mythologies, where it was associated with deities like Aphrodite and Apollo. Its presence here evokes a sense of tranquility. Yet, if we look closely, this serenity is juxtaposed with scenes of conflict. Such a stark contrast invites us to consider the cyclical nature of life, where beauty and brutality coexist. Indeed, the swan's image has evolved through time. From its sacred status in antiquity to its later association with romanticism, it resurfaces, reflecting humanity’s shifting preoccupations and subconscious desires. It is a testament to the image's enduring power, perpetually reborn in new contexts.