Kalenderblad april met varkens 1903

Theo van Hoytema made this calendar page for April with pigs, probably using lithography, a printmaking process that allows for really subtle variations in tone. Look at the way the pigs are rendered. See how they aren't outlined, but rather emerge from the background through a series of delicate marks? The whole image feels like it's breathing. I love how the soft browns and greens create a sense of gentle harmony, mirroring the burgeoning life of springtime. It makes me think about the connection between art and nature, and how both are constantly evolving. There's something so charming about the way he incorporates the calendar grid too, each day adorned with a tiny pig icon, anchoring the ethereal qualities of the image to something practical. I see echoes of Walter Crane's playful designs, both sharing a love of decorative detail and a commitment to making art accessible. It's a great reminder that art doesn't always have to be serious.