Sprinkhaan 1918

Julie de Graag made this print, titled 'Sprinkhaan,' around 1918, using woodcut on paper. Woodcut is a relief printing process. The artist carves away at a block of wood, leaving the design standing proud. This raised surface is then inked and pressed onto paper. In 'Sprinkhaan,' de Graag has used the graphic language so typical of this medium to great effect. Notice how the bold lines define the form of the grasshopper, giving it a strong, almost iconic presence. The choice of green ink adds to the naturalistic feel, while the stark contrast between light and dark emphasizes the texture of the insect's body and the surrounding foliage. Woodcut, though a relatively simple process, demands patience and skill. Each print is the result of careful labor, a collaboration between the artist and the material. It is a democratic medium, capable of producing multiples, yet each impression retains the unique mark of the maker. De Graag's 'Sprinkhaan' reminds us of the value of this careful, considered approach to artmaking.