F. Hodler 1904

Emil Orlik made this print, F. Hodler, in 1904. It's like he's carving with light and shadow, isn't it? The way Orlik uses the black ink is so interesting. It's not just about defining shapes; it's about creating a mood. Look at the beard – a dense, almost impenetrable mass of ink that softens around the edges. And the way he suggests the turn of the head with just a few lines... it's economical and expressive. You can almost feel the texture of the paper, the grain, and the slight imperfections that make it feel so handmade. It's like a conversation across time, echoing the stark contrasts in some of Käthe Kollwitz’s woodcuts, or perhaps even anticipating some of the graphic boldness we see later in Pop Art. It’s not just a portrait; it's an exploration of form, texture, and feeling.