Portret van Anne Zernike 1915 - 1968

This is a portrait of Anne Zernike by Jan Mankes, made with a woodblock. It’s an artwork born out of the contrast between black and white. Looking at the image, I imagine Mankes carefully carving away at the wood, each slice defining the shape of Anne’s face. It's a kind of reverse drawing; what isn’t there becomes just as important as what is. The sharp, clean lines give a sense of clarity and purpose, almost like he’s trying to capture not just her likeness but also the essence of her character. The contrast between the black and white is so stark, yet within that limited palette, there’s a whole world of detail. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most powerful statements are made with the simplest means. There’s something so intimate and direct about this portrait. It reminds me of other printmakers like Munch or Beckmann, who used the same medium to explore inner states and social realities.