Twee schuitbekreigers 1878 - 1914

Curator: Welcome. Here we have Theo van Hoytema’s "Twee schuitbekreigers," a drawing dating from between 1878 and 1914. Editor: My first thought? These birds look like they're gossiping about me! Are they judging my outfit? Their beady little eyes give it away. Curator: Well, that is a compelling projection. Considered through the lens of contemporary theory, one might see in their huddled posture a critique of social hierarchies, specifically examining how surveillance and judgment operate within societal structures. Think about Foucault. Editor: Foucault hanging out with these guys? Now that's an image. But seriously, look at the detail in those feathers, that amazing crown on one of their heads, those claw-like feet clutching at something. It’s grotesque and beautiful at the same time. Is it ink? A pencil sketch maybe? Curator: It’s rendered in both ink and pencil on toned paper, elements that amplify the art nouveau style evident in Hoytema’s work. It’s interesting to think about what “toned paper” would have meant, too, socially—how materials connoted certain things in society. Editor: Interesting, and hey, this is probably just me, but they have this kind of sly knowing look, which connects to certain cartooning or illustrative traditions. Do you think Hoytema intended any humorous interpretation here or did he primarily aim to accurately capture their form? Curator: Understanding Hoytema’s broader body of work is useful here. There's definitely precedent to suggest his work engages with contemporary socio-political issues through his illustrations. Animals frequently become stand-ins through which behaviors are satirized. One cannot remove the artistic choices from their political possibilities. Editor: Well, I still think they’re funny. Regardless of political or social readings, I'd happily share a park bench with them – maybe they’d have some juicy gossip for me. Curator: So, we’ve journeyed from an initial lighthearted impression to a consideration of deeper sociological contexts... not bad for a couple of birds. Editor: Definitely got me thinking—I may need to rethink some of my preconceived notions based on bird appearance!