Het leven van Robinson Crusoë (2) 1903 - 1919

This lithograph, "Het leven van Robinson Crusoë (2)" by Arie Willem Segboer, presents a comic strip-like narrative of Robinson Crusoe's life. The colours are flat, printed, and somehow comforting. Each scene, neatly framed, is a step in his adventure. The texture is smooth, the image precise. It gives it a timeless quality, like a well-loved children's book. Look at the scene where Robinson builds his hut. The lines are simple, the forms clear. There's a directness to the way the image is made. It’s like the artist is saying, "Here's the story, plain and simple." This no-nonsense approach lets us focus on the narrative, each square inviting us into Crusoe's world. Segboer’s work reminds me a little of early picture books, where the story is more important than fancy technique. It celebrates the power of storytelling and the endless human fascination with a good adventure.