Saturnus 1880 - 1932

Henri van der Stok created this woodcut of Saturnus using a sharp knife to carve an image into a block of wood. The areas he cut away do not receive ink, while the raised areas do, resulting in this bold contrast. Woodcut is an old technique, but it gained new life in the early 20th century as artists sought a return to simpler, more direct means of expression. The process demands a strong hand and a clear vision. The artist must anticipate the final image in reverse, understanding how each cut will translate into a printed mark. The texture of the wood itself, its grain and density, also play a role in the final print. Think about the labor involved in creating this image: the physical act of carving, the careful inking of the block, and the pressing of the paper to transfer the image. It is a process that emphasizes the hand of the artist, blurring the boundaries between art and craft.