Kalenderblad augustus met kalkoen - Theo van Hoytema

A 1902 lithograph by Theo van Hoytema, featuring a turkey illustration and a calendar grid for the month of August in a decorative Art Nouveau style.

This lithograph by Theo van Hoytema represents a single page from his 1902 calendar series. Van Hoytema, a Dutch artist known for his focus on animal subjects, applied his skills in lithography to create works that combine natural observation with decorative structure. The composition features a large, central turkey, rendered with a focus on the texture of its plumage against a stylised, light-green background. The bird occupies the upper portion of the print, while the lower section contains the calendar grid for the month of August.

The grid itself is a display of the artist's attention to detail. Each day is marked by small, individual illustrations of turkeys in various postures, demonstrating his ability to capture animal movement within a rigid, functional format. The entire image is enclosed by a decorative border featuring floral motifs in muted pink and green tones, which frames the central subject and the calendar grid. The typography is integrated into the design, maintaining the balance between the illustrative elements and the practical requirements of a calendar.

Van Hoytema was a significant figure in the Dutch Art Nouveau movement, often drawing inspiration from Japanese woodblock prints in his approach to composition and line. His work frequently features birds and animals, which he studied closely. This piece reflects his interest in the intersection of graphic design and natural history. The lithographic process allows for the subtle layering of colours, which contributes to the soft, muted appearance of the print. The work is a clear example of the period's interest in bringing artistic quality to everyday objects, such as calendars, through careful design and technical proficiency in printmaking.