Roerdomp in het riet 1892 - 1940

Henri Verstijnen created "Roerdomp in het riet," or "Bittern in the reeds," in the early 20th century using pen and ink. Verstijnen lived through both World Wars and his work often reflects a deep connection to the natural world. The bittern, a master of camouflage, stands tall among the reeds, its plumage a blend of browns and creams that allow it to disappear into its surroundings. The choice to render the bittern with stark black lines heightens the contrast between the bird and its habitat, emphasizing its struggle for survival. There is an emotional tension between the bird's vulnerability and its resilience. Verstijnen's detailed rendering captures the bird's physical form, and also alludes to the bittern's essence as a symbol of adaptation. This drawing invites us to reflect on the delicate balance between nature and human intervention, and how the identities of both are intertwined.