A refined 1902 lithograph by Theo van Hoytema, featuring a study of a bird in flight alongside a calendar grid for October.

This lithograph by Theo van Hoytema represents a page from his 1902 calendar, a work that demonstrates his mastery of the medium and his fascination with the natural world. Van Hoytema was a Dutch artist known for his precise observation of birds and animals, often rendered with a blend of scientific accuracy and decorative stylisation typical of the Art Nouveau period.

The composition is divided into two primary sections. The upper portion features a large, dynamic study of a bird in flight, captured with muted tones and expressive line work that suggests movement against a textured background. Below this, the calendar grid for October is integrated into the design, accompanied by smaller, stylised bird motifs that mirror the primary subject. The entire page is framed by a border of repeating, organic shapes that provide a sense of structure while maintaining the fluid, naturalistic aesthetic favoured by the artist.

Van Hoytema produced several such calendars throughout his career, each reflecting his ability to combine functional graphic design with fine art. His work often utilised lithography to achieve subtle gradations of colour and texture, allowing for a soft, atmospheric quality that distinguishes his prints from the more rigid graphic styles of his contemporaries. The choice of a bird in flight for the month of October aligns with the seasonal migration patterns, a theme that frequently appeared in his observations of nature. This print offers a glimpse into the intersection of commercial illustration and personal artistic expression at the turn of the twentieth century in the Netherlands.