Kraai en groep fazanten 1675 - 1711

This etching by Pieter Schenk, made around the turn of the 18th century, presents us with a crow amidst a gathering of pheasants, frozen in a moment of rustic stillness. The crow, often seen as an omen or a symbol of ill fortune, stands boldly alongside the pheasants, which, in contrast, symbolize prosperity and abundance. The contrast of these birds resonates through history. We see the crow's image echoed in ancient mythologies as a psychopomp, a guide of souls, while the pheasant, with its vibrant plumage, surfaces in decorative arts as an emblem of wealth. One cannot help but think of the raven in Edgar Allan Poe's poem, an image of the subconscious and harbinger of dread. The positioning of the crow among the pheasants can stir deep psychological currents, forcing a confrontation with mortality and the capricious nature of fate. In this dance of symbols, Schenk captures a primal drama, subtly engaging our innermost fears and hopes. Symbols have a life of their own; they are not static but rather fluid entities that constantly evolve with cultural shifts.