Personificatie van de Vrede met duiven 1919

Editor: This woodcut, "Personification of Peace with Doves" by Huib Luns, created in 1919, presents a striking image. The sharp contrast and simplified forms create an almost unsettling stillness. What do you make of the artist’s choices? Curator: The starkness definitely speaks to the period after the First World War. Notice the gaze of the figure, confronting us directly, carrying the emotional weight of loss and a fervent, perhaps fragile, hope. Doves are, of course, universally recognised symbols of peace, but why are they rendered in such a sharp, almost aggressive way? It invites a deeper reflection on the nature of peace itself, wouldn't you agree? Editor: Yes, I see what you mean. They're not the gentle, fluffy doves you might expect. And the inclusion of "PAX", the Latin word for peace – is it an invocation? Curator: Precisely. "PAX" isn’t just a label; its integration within the imagery, entwined with the dove and olive branch, elevates it to an almost mystical plea, a visual prayer embedded in cultural memory. It invites viewers to contemplate not just the absence of war, but the active creation and maintenance of peace. Does it make you reflect differently? Editor: Absolutely. I had initially viewed it as a simple symbol, but the intentional use of sharp lines and almost severe imagery, especially in conjunction with traditional symbols, really complicates and enriches the message. Curator: Indeed. The artist uses visual language, informed by historical trauma and hope, demanding we engage with peace not as a passive ideal, but as an active and sometimes difficult pursuit. Editor: That's a fascinating insight. It definitely changes my perception of the artwork. Thanks!