Wenskaart met zes ganzen 1878 - 1917

Curator: Ah, I'm drawn to this delicate drawing currently held at the Rijksmuseum. It's titled "Wenskaart met zes ganzen," or "Greeting Card with Six Geese," made sometime between 1878 and 1917 by Theo van Hoytema. The artist chose a pencil for this composition. Editor: My first thought? It’s like a little flock of secrets huddling together. Something so ephemeral and sketch-like feels deeply personal, almost stolen from a private sketchbook. There’s an intimate energy in it. Curator: Precisely. Hoytema had a fascination with ornithology, particularly fowl. Geese, beyond just being geese, have symbolized vigilance, loyalty, and even safe return across cultures for centuries. Think about the story of Rome being saved by the cackling geese. Does the drawing's implicit association with “greetings” carry this forward somehow? Editor: Maybe it’s about conveying a message, but in a gentler way. These aren't Roman guard geese sounding an alarm. Look at the way they’re drawn – each one a little different, caught in a different posture. One's even craning its neck to the sky, lost in its own thoughts. It’s about connection, but also individuality, the balance between belonging and expressing oneself. Curator: And this idea speaks to how Hoytema engaged with his materials. It is indeed a quick sketch, but there are close observations evident. See how the slight shading captures their plump bodies so gracefully? Hoytema clearly noticed the unique behavior and the varying weight of each creature. This reminds us of the enduring power of seemingly simple images to convey rich meaning. Editor: It does make you wonder what kind of greeting card this was. I like picturing it given with a little wry smile, a subtle wink. "Thinking of you… and also these funny geese!" Something about the loose quality of the lines lets our minds wander. These are not portraits in the strict sense; they seem caught in a whimsical reverie. Curator: Absolutely. He allows us, invites us, into the quiet and slightly absurd world he has sketched. Editor: A very intimate glimpse into the artist's world. It’s lovely.