Papoeameisje c. 1923

"Papoeameisje" (1923) is a woodcut by Johannes Frederik Engelbert ten Klooster, a Dutch artist known for his bold black and white imagery. This striking print depicts a silhouetted Papuan woman in a boat, her hand reaching out to touch a palm tree. The simplified forms and use of strong contrasts emphasize the exotic setting, creating a powerful visual statement that exemplifies ten Klooster's distinctive style. The artwork's title, "Papoeameisje" (Papuan girl), further points to the artist's fascination with the exotic and the influence of non-European cultures on his art.