De aarde 1880 - 1932

This black and white woodcut print, 'De aarde' or 'The Earth' by Henri van der Stok presents us with a stylized face and some geometric objects. The stark contrast of the black ink against the white paper creates a visually arresting image. The composition, dominated by the symmetrical arrangement of facial features, evokes a sense of serenity. Van der Stok manipulates positive and negative space to create a face but also something else. The eyes are closed but there is something mask-like about the image. Below the face are three shapes - a circle, a square, and a star. These can be interpreted in many different ways. For example, the square might represent the earth while the circle may represent the moon and the star represents a distant planet. The artist uses simple shapes to explore complex relationships between the terrestrial and cosmic realms. This interplay destabilizes fixed meanings, inviting us to contemplate how our understanding of the Earth is intertwined with broader philosophical and existential questions. The print’s stark contrasts serve not only as aesthetic choices, but also as potent symbols reflecting profound cultural and philosophical inquiries.