Anker onder water met zeewier 1919

Jac Jongert made this print titled 'Anchor underwater with seaweed' using woodcut techniques. The image presents a stark, yet elegant portrayal of an anchor, transformed by the abstracting currents of the Amsterdam School. This artistic movement, born in the Netherlands in the early 20th century, sought to integrate art with everyday life, imbuing functional forms with expressive qualities. Notice how the anchor, a symbol of stability, is here immersed in the fluid, organic forms of seaweed and water, reflecting the school's wider preoccupation with the sea. Jongert was involved in social-democratic circles, and the Amsterdam School itself was closely tied to socialist ideals, believing in art’s power to uplift the working class. Further research into the political affiliations of Jongert and the patrons of his work would help us understand the image’s social intentions. The meaning of this art lies in this complex interplay between form, politics, and cultural history.