Verschillende vogelsoorten graven in de aarde 1892

Here we see Theo van Hoytema's "Verschillende vogelsoorten graven in de aarde," created using lithography. At first glance, it's a charming depiction of birds, but let us delve into the symbolic depths beneath this seemingly simple scene. The act of birds digging into the earth, a universal motif, resonates deeply with ancient creation myths. Consider the recurring theme of birds as messengers or creators, linking the earthly and the divine. In ancient Egypt, the ibis was associated with Thoth, the god of wisdom and writing. The symbolism has shifted over time; however, the connection between birds and knowledge remains a powerful force, engaging us on a subconscious level. The birds in van Hoytema's lithograph connect us to this collective memory. Birds, through the ages, have been a non-linear progression—symbols of everything from freedom to fragility— resurfacing in new contexts.