Birds in an Arched Window

by Marja van den Hurk

Bring the tranquillity of the English countryside and the sophistication of classical natural history into your home with this unique Trompe-l’œil artwork.

This atmospheric digital collage creates a surprising 3D optical illusion: an arched window in a soft blue wall offering a picturesque glimpse of an idyllic riverside landscape.

In the foreground, a pair of linnets (Linaria cannabina) rest on a gracefully curved juniper branch. The striped female peeks curiously into the room, whilst the male, with his characteristic red forehead and breast, sits on the lower branch. His tail feathers extend just beyond the grey-blue windowsill, creating a playful three-dimensional effect.

A unique fusion of two masterpieces:
• The birds: The detailed ornithological illustration is taken from the famous 19th-century Swedish reference work *Svenska Fåglar* by the brothers Wilhelm and Magnus von Wright.
• The landscape: The serene view beyond the window is a detail from the painting *The River Severn at Shrewsbury, Shropshire* (1770) by the British landscape painter Paul Sandby.

Thanks to its soft shades of blue, green and earth tones, this artwork is a timeless eye-catcher that adds depth, light and a touch of historic charm to both modern and classic interiors.