Birds 1865 - 1890

This sculpture of two birds perched on a base, was made by Wilhelm Schimmel, an artist born in 1817. Here, the birds are not just mere creatures of nature; they symbolize freedom, the soul, and the transcendent, recurring motifs throughout art history. Consider ancient Egyptian art, where birds represented the soul’s journey to the afterlife, or Renaissance paintings, where doves symbolized peace and divine grace. In this simple sculpture, Schimmel taps into this deep well of symbolism. The two birds sitting together might convey companionship and harmony. The perch itself represents stability and a grounding in the natural world. The recurring image of birds across cultures and ages shows our enduring fascination with these creatures, how the subconscious imbues them with hope, freedom, and spiritual connection.