Fries met vijftien vogels c. 1607

Pieter Serwouters created this print titled 'Fries met vijftien vogels', which translates to 'Frieze with fifteen birds,' using etching. During the Dutch Golden Age, the natural world held a mirror to the human experience. Consider the varied depictions of birds: swans gliding serenely on water, juxtaposed with owls perched solemnly. In the 17th century, birds were often used to symbolize human characteristics, behaviors, and social classes. The diversity of birds could reflect the complexities of Dutch society itself, with its burgeoning merchant class and global trade connections. This print, with its detailed observation of nature, invites us to reflect on our own place within the broader ecosystem, and how our identities and social roles intertwine with the natural world around us. How do we see ourselves reflected in these avian figures, and what does that tell us about our relationship with the environment and each other?