A 1902 lithographic calendar page by Theo van Hoytema, featuring expressive bird sketches and a structured grid design in the Art Nouveau style.

This lithographic calendar page for the month of September, created by the Dutch artist Theo van Hoytema in 1902, demonstrates his mastery of naturalistic observation combined with graphic discipline. Van Hoytema was a significant figure in the Dutch Art Nouveau movement, particularly noted for his depictions of birds and animals. His work often bridged the gap between scientific illustration and decorative design.

The composition is structured into three distinct zones. The upper and lower panels feature expressive, gestural sketches of birds in motion, rendered with a fluid, calligraphic line quality that captures the urgency of the subjects. These sketches contrast with the central grid, which provides a rigid, orderly framework for the calendar dates. The inclusion of small, symbolic icons within the grid and the margins, such as the reeds and lunar phases, adds a layer of narrative detail typical of his almanac designs. The typography is clean and functional, reflecting the period's interest in integrating text and image into a cohesive whole.

Van Hoytema's approach to the natural world was informed by his background in lithography, a medium that allowed him to translate the spontaneity of his pencil sketches into reproducible prints. The muted, monochromatic palette emphasises the texture of the drawing, focusing the viewer's attention on the form and movement of the birds rather than colour. This piece is a representative example of his contribution to the Dutch graphic arts at the turn of the twentieth century, where the observation of nature was elevated through careful composition and technical skill.