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What is now a small, intimate monument to The Hague illustrator, lithographer, graphic designer Theo van Hoytema (1863-1917), originally looked different. How, as can be read in the surviving invitation for the unveiling on June 20, 1923: 'It consists of a small pond, serving as a watering place for birds, which pond is partially closed by a wall, in which a memorial stone is placed, mentioning the name of the deceased artist, as well as a bird relief and the source for water refreshment.' All in all, quite a monumental memorial.

Because it was located on the corner of Willem Frederiklaan/Willem Lodewijklaan in the middle of the defense line, it was demolished in World War II. On the Johan de Wittlaan, it returned in 1956, to be given a permanent place on the Van Hoytemaplein in 2009. Fortunately, the core of the monument survived these moves, but the pond, like much of the wall work, has disappeared. The designer, architect G. Knuttel, based his idea for the central stone on the Ex Libris that Van Hoytema made for himself in 1895: two barn owls on a branch. Stonemason A.H. Planje executed the design.

Sketched after nature, Van Hoytema's animal depictions are striking, sometimes even endearing. He usually drew plant and flower motifs around them. Some influence of Jugendstil and Japanese printmaking can be seen in this. He never really connected with any of the modern art movements of around 1900; Van Hoytema retained his own original style.

Starting in 1891, he became widely known for illustrated picture books, including The Ugly Young Duckling andAndersen's fairy tale. To these were added the popular calendars after the turn of the century. Van Hoytema was enormously productive and versatile. He took numerous commissions for menus, magazine and catalog covers, postcards, posters and Ex Librissen, among other things. Furniture and pottery were also made after his drawings.