Roodborstje op een berkentak 1933

This is Verstijnen's rendering of a robin on a birch branch. Here, the robin, with its vibrant red breast, is perched delicately on a branch, a symbol of renewal and spring. The robin, often a messenger in folklore, reminds us of Fra Angelico's Annunciation, where birds symbolize divine presence. The birch, sacred to many cultures, mirrors the Tree of Life, linking earth and sky. Consider how such symbols echo through art history. The birch’s association with cleansing mirrors the symbolism of water in baptismal scenes. The robin, with its bold breast, appears as a symbol of sacrifice and renewal, not unlike the phoenix rising from ashes. These motifs tap into a collective memory, stirring deep emotions of hope and continuity. Through Verstijnen's eyes, we see a timeless dialogue between nature and symbol, each element resonating with layers of meaning that transcend time. These symbols recur, always altered, adapted, but eternally connected.