Christus op de Olijfberg 1924

Lodewijk Schelfhout made this evocative lithograph, Christus op de Olijfberg, at some point in his career, though we don't know exactly when. The limited palette creates a somber mood, drawing us into a meditative space. Look closely, and you'll see how Schelfhout coaxes so much from this monochrome. The texture is rich with fine linear marks. See how the repetitive strokes build up darker areas, suggesting shadow and depth, while lighter areas are rendered with a more delicate touch. The angel in the upper right is barely there at all, almost fading into the background. The composition is built up by a complex network of marks, which are like the equivalent of brushstrokes. It makes me think of Odilon Redon, who also used lithography to create dreamlike images, full of symbolism and feeling. What I love about both artists is the sense of being invited into a personal world of the imagination. It is a world of open-ended meaning, a place where feeling is more important than certainty.