Ruiters te paard 1906 - 1945

Reijer Stolk created this woodcut called 'Ruiters te paard' at an unknown date. The print captivates with its sharp contrast and dynamic composition. The artist's choice of a limited palette of red, black, and white emphasizes bold geometric forms, which creates a semiotic system of signs, inviting us to decode the visual components. The abstracted horses and riders, rendered with angular lines, evoke a sense of movement, which is enhanced by the rhythmic repetition of shapes. The interplay between positive and negative space challenges traditional notions of representation. The visual tension is palpable, creating a dynamic and almost restless energy. Stolk’s radical simplification challenges fixed meanings, inviting us to engage with new ways of thinking about space, perception, power, and representation. It’s a compelling example of how abstraction can convey the essence of a subject.